Hay Cutters clinch back-to-back premierships

By Hay Cutters Rugby Union Club.

Hay Cutters went into Saturday’s Southern Inland Rugby Union grand final prepared and ready to defend their title of the third grade premiership, and that they did.

After stepping it up a gear for the grand final and showing an outstanding performance, the boys were able to hold Griffith Blacks from crossing the line all match, resulting in a final score of 33-0.

Both teams had to find their footing on a slippery Conolly Park (Wagga Wagga), but that didn’t stop Will Nadin crossing the line to put the first points on the board.

This sparked a fire in the Cutters team, and Andrew Garvey, James Graham and Will Marshall all crossed the line within the first half.

With 10 minutes left to the first half, Griffith needed to score, but with a few errors from the Blacks, and the Cutters’ strong defence, the first half ended 26-0 the Cutters’ way.

A half-time pep talk from coach Ed Lilburne reminded Hay they needed to maintain their intensity for the whole game - this fired the boys up.

Griffith knew they needed to score early in the second half, causing tensions to escalate.

This resulted in some push and shove which saw Lochie Ireson (Hay) and Apenisa Dritt (Griffith) both being issued a yellow card.

Griffith unfortunately lost a couple of players due to injuries in the second half, and James Harrison managed to cross the line one more time for the Cutters.

Harry Agar had his eye well and truly on the prize, only missing one conversion on the day.

“Well done to all the boys, an outstanding game and commitment to another great season,” the Club said.

“They wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of the coaches, the boys on the side line and everyone who travelled to Wagga to cheer them on.

“A big thank you to all the sponsors of the 2024 season Boulder Pastoral Co, Conargo Hotel, TA Fields - Wyvern, Budgewah Past Co, Boys on Lachlan, Acacia Ins, Nutrien Hay, Elders Hay and DG Harrison.

“Your generosity doesn’t go unnoticed.” Final score: Hay 33 (Tries Will Nadin, Andrew Garvey, James Graham, Will Marshal, James Harrison. Goals Harry Agar 4) Griffith Blacks 0

Hay Cutters on their grand final game against Griffith 33-0. An absolute thrashing to top off a stellar season, and back to back premierships. Image: Cutters Rugby Union Club.