The two sides had met three times during the Group 10 Junior Rugby League under 10s season, Mudgee enjoying a 2-1 advantage on that ledger before CYMS closed the book on the 2017 season with the most important win of all.

It was fitting Orange CYMS premier league captain-coach Mick Sullivan was on hand to present his club’s man of the match award to Isaac Clarke.

As he mentioned during the presentation to Clarke, it was Sullivan’s side that went down to Mudgee in the top grade grand final in 2016, the Dragons storming back to knock off the green and golds and claim the title.

That wasn’t the case on Saturday, as CYMS’ under 10s Green team defended gallantly late to repel a couple of final Dragons raids.

CYMS Green coach Wayne Clarke was thrilled for his side.

“The boys played well, run hard and tackled hard and worked hard as a team, together,” he said, Isaac Clarke, Taj Jordan and Harry Meacham crossing for CYMS’ tries.

The ball movement from both sides in the grand final was brilliant.

“I just try and keep it simple, it’s those basics of quick passes and running on to the ball,” Clarke added.

the win caps a great year for the age group at CYMS, with two sides, the Greens and Golds, both playing in 2017.

Clarke said the club kept both sides together all season.

“We trained together as a team …. we all tried to stay as one tight unit. We’ve got a great bunch of boys in the Gold team too. It’s great to see,” he said.

Mudgee coach Fabian Colley was understandably disappointed for his team. 

Connor McLean scored the Dragons’ first try before Harry Gallen crossed late for Mudgee to cut CYMS’ lead to 18-12. 

“We got off to a slow start but we came back into it. They’re a good side, CYMS Green, they played well all year,” Colley said.

“That’s the thing, been nothing  between the two all year.

“There’s a few disappointed. But they’ve done well this year. They’ve had a great season.”

Taj Jordan was awarded man of the match honours by Group 10 JRL president Martin Power.