The Wellington Redbacks are Coolah bound for another sudden deaths finals match after defeating the Dubbo Rhinos Black side 30-12 at Kennard Park. Wellington led 19-5 at the break and brilliant defence set up the victory.-
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The Rhinos got on the board first tigthead prop Ben O'Leary smashing his way over.-
But Wellington centre James Cusack who had a big elimination final levelled the scores after 7 minutes off the back of an initial break by Andy Adams and Mitch Cusack was over on the right side and all of a sudden the Redbacks were on a roll.-
Wellington again cut the Rhinos up in the midfield when Mitch Stubberfield ran off good lead up work and slipped under the posts for a 14 point advantage at the break.-
Rhinos Black came out in the second forty rampaging and Wellington were forced to defend for twenty minutes saving try after try and when O'Leary crashed over for his second the weight of the Rhinos attack had told.-
But the Redbacks now just 7 in front had purpose and Jared Wykes off an overlap on the right skirted the sideline to go round and score and consecutive penalty goals to Mitch Stubberfield ending any hopes of a Black's comeback and at the end of the day Wellington had won in grand fashion.-
Coach Chris George described the win as ''Tough and ugly but good''. -
Meanwhile, Yeoval charged into the major semi final of Rugby Union's Graincorp Cup with an authoritative victory over Coolah 42-7 on Saturday.-
The Eagles playing before an enthusiastic home crowd were on the board quickly, James Kitchener and five eighth Luke Kerin surging over in the first ten minutes.-
Yeoval had a bank of football and Coolah were forced to defend phase after phase and even after the home side lost a man to the sin bin they managed to break through with winger Trent Lees going over then centre Trent McGovern steam rolled his way through the defence to score easily. James Aimy wasn't missing with the extras and Yeoval led 28-0 at half time.-
The second half began with Coolah looking better and replacement winger Peter Weis rattled Yeoval to race over with Jace Russell landing the conversion and for a short time the visitors threatened. But the next 30 minutes was tight Yeoval defending stoutly and Coolah unable to break through and when they eventually broke the advantage line dropped ball gave their opponents football and flanker Eli Kinscher didn't need a second chance and stormed through the defence twice and just before full time with ultimate ease and the Eagles were again at home a force to be reckoned with, they head to Dubbo to decide who hosts the grand final.