What a start for the 2015 season for the Canowindra Pythons being runner up in the 2015 Orange City Rugby Invitational 10s division two final.
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With half the team not able to play, some in Melbourne at Aaron Wooley's bucks party, the Pythons only had 12 players entered.
We decided to enjoy the day and not take it too seriously even though the organisers had put us down for an extra game.
Pythons lost to Orange City Colts 26-5, won against Island Boys second XI 19-12, won against CSU Aggies 10-0, then went down to Narromine 28-12.
We were set for a much needed ale before it was announced we finished fourth in division two and had to play the number one qualifier Orange City Colts in the semi-final - who by the way had a few seniors in their side to boost their forward pack.
At half time with the score 7-7, we started to think we had a chance to make the final then Orange scored out-wide, 12-7.
With seconds remaining the Pythons scored out wide, full-time 12 all.
The game then went into golden try and it was almost unbelievable, we scored first and were in the final.
Unfortunately Jack Beath hurt his shoulder during the match and was off to hospital.
We had to play Narromine in the final who had 20 players, and we were down to 11 with one on the bench.
The Pythons put up a gallant effort, but finally went down 28-7.
Mick Grant, Jack Knight, Craig McKenzie, Jacob Baker, Jack Beath, Ben Schaefer and Will (Cass) Ryan along with Tom Roth were exceptional for the Pythons.
Next Saturday March 28 the Pythons will have a trial against a Wagga Aggies side at Cowra.
Wagga are bringing three teams plus a women's team to play Cowra and Canowindra in what should be a great day.