VILLAGES United took a massive step towards earning a maiden New Era Midwest Cup premiership on Saturday when coming from behind to beat Blackheath 24-20.
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That win came in the major semi-final, which meant that Villages United is not only the first team through to the 2016 decider, but earned a home ground advantage as well.
After upsetting Wallerawang the previous week in the major preliminary semi-final, Villages went into the contest against minor premiers Blackheath as underdogs once more.
Villages had lost its only prior meeting to Blackheath 22-20, who went through the regular season undefeated.
Blackheath was the team which eliminated Villages from the 2015 finals race and on Saturday the Blackcats looked headed for another victory.
The hosts scored the first 14 points of the match, but the Villages players maintained their composure.
Desperate defence and some impressive attacking plays – including a pair of Chris Boardman tries and a 40-20 kick from co-coach Jarrod Gafa – saw Villages fight back and take the honours.
Villages’ skipper Ray Thorn was inspirational as he helped his side come from behind.
“We got off to a horrid start to the game, but the old hands kept their heads and the mix of younger players gave us a guts and courage win over the year’s top team,” he said.
“The boys hung in till after half-time, then ground out the win in the second half.”
Looking for a second consecutive New Era Midwest Cup premiership, Blackheath made an impressive start to Saturday’s semi-final.
The Blackcats not only scored the first 14 points of the match, but did so at almost a point per minute.
After that early attacking frenzy, Villages settled into the contest and had its first try before the break, Boardman barging over after Gafa’s 40-20 earned an attacking scrum.
In the second half the arm-wrestle continued, but Villages United took the lead for the first time in the 62nd minute.
Both teams finished with four tries apiece, but Josh Small nailed all of his conversions for Villages to emerge 24-20 victors.
Villages will have this Saturday off, while Blackheath will play Wallerawang in the preliminary final. It will be a replay of last year’s grand final
Thorn said he is expecting to meet the Blackcats in the September 3 grand final.
“I fully expect we will play the same team in the grand final,” he said.
“They seem to have the wood on Wallerawang.”
