WHEN Zac Taylor charged onto the ball and burst through the Dubbo Kangaroos defence in the second period of extra-time in Saturday's major semi-final, it did more than seal Bathurst Bulldogs' spot in the Blowes Clothing Cup colts decider.
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The prop's effort also acted as inspiration to the Bathurst Bulldogs first XV who went on to beat Orange Emus in their own grand final qualifier.
First grade coach Dean Oxley said the sort of spirit and determination Taylor showed was an example he highlighted to his men.
"The colts game was our motivation, we spoke about it before the game," he said.
"Zac Taylor, he really lifted. It wasn't just that he scored the try, that wasn't the reason we focused on him, it was about how well he played.
"There was a lot of Bulldogs spirit here today all through the grades and we just wanted to finish it off and give the club the right to play their first home grand final at Anne Ashwood.
"That was our goal this year. We had a goal set to be minor premiers and we had a goal to reach the grand final and we've achieved those two. Now it's about getting that number one trophy."
Oxley also felt crowd that braved the freezing conditions on Saturday was a factor in Bulldogs' success.
"I just want to say thanks to the crowd too, the was the community has gotten behind the Bathurst Rugby Club this year has been fantastic. They players really appreciate it, they lift with the crowd behind them."
Bathurst Bulldogs will host the Blowes Clothing Cup grand finals on August 24.
