A MATT Findlay-inspired Orange Emus are one win away from qualifying for the Blowes Clothing Cup second grade rugby union grand final after downing Bathurst Bulldogs 30-22 on Sunday.
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Conjuring up the sort of play any five-eighth would have been proud of, Findlay helped lay on two of his side’s four tries while falling agonisingly short of scoring one for himself in a minor semi-final man-of-the-match performance from the loose-head prop.
Storming from fourth on this year’s ladder, Emus coach Mitch Dansey was thrilled his side was still in the hunt for a second grade title.
“That was very spirited from our boys,” Dansey said. “The boys we’re carrying a few niggling injuries but hopefully we can come through this week and work towards next week.
“Dubbo are going to be tougher again. There’s no easy games left.”
Video: What the coaches had to say:
Throughout the first half Emus threatened to skip away from the Dogs on the scoreboard, but twice the visitors clung on and to remain in touch at 10-8 and then later lead at 15-13.
But tries to Scott Udy and Chris Bailey gifted Emus back the advantage before a late Keith Howarth try on full-time put the icing on the minor semi-final victory.
Bulldogs coach Rob Danelon said the physical pressure from both teams was unrelenting.
Unfortunately for him, it was the Dogs that cracked first.
"But I'm proud of the effort of my guys throughout the year," he said.
ORANGE EMUS 30 (Keith Howarth, William Colless, Scott Udy, Chris Bailey tries; Dave Faul, Sam Ryan conv; Faul 2 pen goals) def BATHURST BULLDOGS 22 (Josh Booth, Ben McNiven, Tim Collins tries; Ben Sheppard 2 conv; Sheppard pen goal).
Earlier in third grade, Emus came from behind to defeat the Bulldogs 17-9.