Battle of the Brothers

The Cutters prevailed victorious over Marcus Oldham, in the biggest weekend on the Cutters calendar. Both first and second grades won. This is the second straight year that Cutters have taken the trophy in this high profile match.

By Tom Lilburne

Hay Cutters played their integral Sheep Show weekend game against the men and, unfortunately, no women of Marcus Oldham ‘Mudcrabs’. The Cutters certainly did not disappoint, with two superlative games played to wow the crowds.

Cutters put forth a first and second grade on Saturday night at Hay Number One Oval, which was packed to the rafters for the biggest game on the calendar.

Seconds were led out by Tom Gordon, Wyvern’s newest intake of Jackeroos for 2023.

Cutters gathered a group of mismatched men, including the likes of the Watkin brothers Dan and Lachy who played in the 2021 season, and Gus Campbell former resident of Boonoke whose father Justin, took on the role of referee.

Justin, with his free-playing style let the boys roll on as they became familiar with each other quickly and began to turn the game into a hard-hitting forward battle up the middle.

First half was dead even, with no budge in defence and neither team getting any points on the board.

Shortly into the second half Marcus crossed the line which broke up the stalemate.

With Marcus looking like they would walk away with the win with only one try in their pocket, Cutters finally broke through Mudcrabs’ defence, scoring a try with 10 minutes to go locking up the scores with 7-7 all.

Cutters showed great resilience and discipline as they saw the light.

They continued to press the college students which paid off as Cutters crossed again in the dying minutes to take the lead and victory 12-7.

As the crowd from the sheep show filtered down to the field to watch first grade game under lights, Ed Lilburne took on refereeing duties, also doing a great job of keeping the flow of footy up which resulting in a great spectacle.

Cutters put forth their strongest team of the season with the addition of Digby Lilburne returning to the forwards who was pivotal in the 2021 season.

Lilburne brothers were smart around the ruck, pulling off some great pilfers and keeping the ball alive.

Cutters were determined to prove to Marcus that they were the better team after their ‘Wilkinson’ win last year, winning on three penalty goals to Marcus’s one try (9-7).

Nerves were high after news was leaked that during Marcus’ training through the week Fletcher Ryan was hospitalised after breaking three ribs which had the boys scratching their heads on how hard these blokes down south were training for the match up.

Cutters soon crossed the line in the opening five minutes. This set the pace for the rest of the game, as Cutters were continually moving up the field with the footy and holding steed in defence.

Cutters were unlucky not to put more on the scoreboard with a few missed opportunities. Credit to the Marcus boys who played the best they could for the full 70 minutes. Going into the second half Cutters lead 14-0 with Harry Agar’s boot returning to its former glory days. His father watched on, torn between the two team with sons Harry and Sam facing off against each other. No love was lost as the two left it all on the field. Sam came back for his second year in first dominant. He was critical in Marcus’ leadership on the night. Nonetheless, Harry shone through as he capitalised on every chance he got. When the ball got passed to Will Nadin, the two centres broke the line multiple times as they made metres and momentum.

With a try either side in the second half, the scores were settled at 19-7.

The trophy remains in Hay for the second straight year, and was handed from brother to brother at the Waradgery Club which hosted players, guests and sheep show patrons.

It was a hugely successful night for the Club, and Waradgery, which was bustling with visitors and locals, making for a great atmosphere.

Both matches saw 60 boys taking the field through the evening with only major injury been dislocated shoulder from a Mudcrab. Thank you to all that helped behind the bar and barbecue at the grounds which saw a great turn over for the club.

Thank you, Marcus Oldham College who made the six-hour trip between two buses and multiple cars.