RUGBY UNION
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GIANT-killing Pythons in Blayney.
Hold the phone though, that’s not another god-awful (or incredible, depending on how you look at it) animal-based horror movie, it’s the only way to describe Canowindra’s grand-final bound GrainCorp Cup southern division side.
In much the same way the megalodon charged its way towards battle with a giant crocodile in 2010 monstrosity Mega Shark versus Crocosaurus, the Pythons have stormed their way into Saturday’s grand final against Blayney, at King George Oval, winning their last five games in a row.
After scoring wins in their final two regular season round games to secure fifth, the giant-killing Pythons took down 2014 premiers Molong Magpies in the elimination semi-final, then downed perennial heavyweights Condobolin Rams in the minor semi-final.
To qualify for the decider, Canowindra produced a stirring performance to claim a come-from-behind win over 2015 surprise packets West Wyalong, at West Wyalong, in last weekend’s preliminary final.
“We’re pretty stoked to have made it,” Canowindra manager Graham Rice said.
“I’m not sure how long it’s been since we’ve made a grand final, but I know it’s been more than 30 years since we’ve won one.”
The Pythons opened the scoring last Saturday through Adam Nash’s converted try, but the 7-nil lead was quickly reined in by the Weevils, thanks to some ill-discipline from the visitors.
West Wyalong kicked three penalty goals to take a 9-7 lead, and momentum, into the half-time break, although Canowindra lifted after the restart.
Jack Knight’s second-half double put the visitors back in front and, with the game poised at 17-9, the Weevils crossed in the corner but failed to convert.
Although the host side peppered Canowindra’s line, they couldn’t find a way through and as the pressure relented the Weevils’ frustration transformed into a Pythons’ penalty, which Ben Schaefer duly converted to give his side a 20-14 victory and confirm its place in Saturday’s decider.
“We had to defend our line, it just kept going and going. It was the 82nd minute by the time we got the ball and kicked it out,” Rice said of the final stages of the match.
“It was a real nail-biter, we scored three tries to one, we were definitely the better side.”