A man of the match performance by Rob Burn and an equally impressive performance by Damien Kennedy clinched the reserve grade grand final for the Canowindra Tigers.
Kennedy was unstoppable in the early stages scoring three first half tries.
The Kennedy-Burn combination put centre Mat Kelly over for two tries and Canowindra raced to a 28 to six lead after 30 minutes.
In scoring his third try Kennedy rolled his ankle badly and left the field for a check up.
In this period it appeared Canowindra had undone all of their good work as Cargo scored two freakish tries to turn the momentum back their way.
In that ten minute period Cargo scored four tries to make the score 28 all as the half time siren sounded.
The second half saw Kennedy return to the field and last minute starters Clayton Farr, Robert Freymayer and Wayne McFawn start to make an impact on the match.
Clayton Farr scored to give Canowindra a 34 to 28 lead.
Cargo replied to make it 34 all.
Freymayer then McFawn scored to make it 46 to 34.
A great off load by Bill Egberts put Dave Sargent over and took the score to 50 points to 34.
Canowindra's defence in the middle of the field was quite strong, but it was Cargo's ability to kick, regather and counter attack wide on early tackles that kept the scoreboard ticking over and the blue heelers in the game.
Two more tries to Cargo one another long range effort by John Rose saw them close the gap again to 50 to 44.
With only minutes remaining Rob Burns' individual brilliance saw him score under the posts and kick his eighth goal for the day to lead 56 to 44 and the grand final was won.
Cargo's never say die attitude continued with a try on the siren and a full time score of 56 to 50.
The large crowd was treated to a high scoring entertaining game with 19 tries scored during the game.
Cargo scored six of their nine tries from 60 metres to 90 metres out and the sheer speed of John Rose and Norm Button was a delight for the crowd.
The two best centres in the competition John Rose (Cargo) and Mat Kelly (Canowindra) finished with five tries between them.
The grand final win capped an amazing eight weeks for the Tigers.
Ravaged with injuries Canowindra played and won with only 14 players for many of the games.
Canowindra were well served by Nick Agustin played his first game at full back in the grand final and came through with flying colours.
Winger James Mulligan was enthusiastic while partner Dave Sargent, was dynamic.
Dave's form over recent weeks has been the best of his career.
Centres Mat Kelly and Bill Egberts have been virtually unstoppable. Mat scored 25 tries in 12 games.
Bill cemented himself as one of the better players in the competition.
Lock Snow Jones made some solid tackles, some fantastic cover defence and line breaking runs in a great all round performance.
Back rower Corey Parrish again made some remarkable tackles and plenty of them.
Steve Shorten the 50 something year old second rower showed his younger counter parts what commitment is all about.
Steve was available to play every game this year and played the full 80 minutes in each of the semi final games.
In hot conditions on grand final day Steve only came off to give the forwards a chance to rotate off the bench.
Lightweight front rower Andrew Pull and Brock White did exactly what their halves wanted. They charged at the Cargo defensive line and got quick play the balls for their halfback.
Hooker Mick Fitzgerald gave quality ball to his runners, but it was his probing runs that had Cargo back peddling.
Despite playing the previous three games with only 14 players and winning, the Tigers wouldn't have got home without last minute inclusions Clayton Farr, Wayne McFawn and Robert Freymayer.
In hot conditions all three made an impact in defence and attack.
Moey Bermingham and Phil Kelly both still recovering from serious injuries were dressed ready to play if needed but not risked on the day.
Sam O'Malveney, Shaun Craven, Andrew Dunkley and Justin Hancock couldn't be their on grand final day but played their part through the season.
Brenton Woolley moved to Port Macquarie two weeks ago. The whole club wishes Brenton all the best, he was and will be sorely missed.
The Club would like to thank the coaches and support staff in Andrew Pull, George Delaney, Doug Rice, Ken Wilson, Arthur Cooper and anyone else who helped out, for their hard work that culminated in the reserve grade grand final win.
Thank you to the contingent of supporters that made it to the day.
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