Dubbo CYMS moved through to a ninth straight Group 11 grand final on Saturday after downing the Wellington Cowboys in an action-packed major semi-final battle.
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In a physically demanding and captivating game that featured a number of incidents, the minor premiers scored a 28-26 victory.
The drama started in the very first minute when Cowboys fullback Will Lousick scooped up a loose ball and raced 60m to score and it didn't stop until after the final whistle.
Wellington got back to 28-26 inside the final 10 minutes and Brock Naden could have levelled things up with five to go but his penalty goal hit the post and fell wide, before the Cowboys created one last chance after the hooter sounded and booted the ball downfield, only for CYMS fullback Tom Yeo to beat Mason Williams and Wallace Bruce to the ball and ensure a CYMS victory.
The back and forth nature of the game was one thing, but a Jarryn Powyer high shot in the fourth minute was the biggest talking point.
The hit on Steve Gordon, combined with his head hitting the turf, resulted in the Cowboys centre being knocked unconscious and transported from the ground via ambulance, and the CYMS captain-coach being put on report by referee Willy Barnes.
Gordon was later given the all clear, and while some Cowboys fans called for a send-off Powyer stayed on but will face a nervous wait to see if he is cleared for the September 8 grand final.
Despite that drama Powyer went on to star up front in a thrilling win that ensures next weekend off.
"It's unreal," Powyer said of the win.
"You never want to think too much about the next week but there moments where I was thinking whoever has to back-up next week will feel it."
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As well as the loss of Gordon, the Cowboys were also without Jack Kempston for the entire second half due to a shoulder injury while Lousick, Williams, and Josh Griffiths all required attention at different parts of the game.
"You can look at that (loss of players) and the heat as well, it plays a part. But we're not looking for excuses," Wellington coach Justin Toomey-White said.
"We had our chances as well and we didn't take them so we'll go back to the drawing board and get ready for next week."
The lead went back-and-forth in the first half before Powyer muscled over from close range to hive his side a 16-14 advantage at the break.
The Fishies scored first after the break, Jyie Chapman nabbing his second, and despite the Cowboys' giving it their all until the end, CYMS' immense defensive effort saw them win through.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
