The Grenfell Goannas progressed in the Woodbridge Cup on Saturday afternoon when they defeated the Canowindra Tigers in Gooloogong in this year's elimination final.
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Despite the Tigers taking the psychological advantage into the match, from when the two sides met in the final regular season match a week earlier, the Goannas proved too strong; dominating the middle on their way to a 30-16 win.
Grenfell's big men took charge in the match while Canowindra's lack of ball security did them little favours in their final match of the season.
The Goanna's opened the scoring within the opening five minutes when Phil Rolls stole the ball, one-on-one, off the Tigers' fullback Matt McLean from a kick return.
Phil Ingram, who kicked three from six for the day, added the extras for an early six-nil lead.
Canowindra reduced the deficit moments later when McLean put Nick Willson through the defence but he failed to convert and left the scores 6-4.
These were the only points the Tigers would post until within the final 10 minutes of the match.
The Goannas though took full advantage each time they were given an opportunity with tries to hooker Shannon Lee, scooting from dummy half, and one to Mena Aditagane, after some nice ball work from Phil Ingram, had Grenfell leading 16-4 at the break.
The advantage was extended after halftime when Goannas forward Sam Ingram crossed on the left edge.
He was heavily involved in the second half and set up Grenfell's next try after breaking the Tigers' line of defence before finding his fullback Dan Harveyson in support who dove over underneath the posts.
Phil Ingram added another two points for a 24 point lead.
Canowindra's frustration hit boiling point towards the back end of the match and halfback Jayden Brown was sent for his second sin binning; but back-to-back tries to the Tigers' Curtis Hughes and Aaron Earsman reduced the deficit to 12.
They were nothing but consolations though as Grenfell put the game to rest in the final minutes when centre Steve Ingram grabbed a late four-pointer and the siren sounded with the scores at 30-16.
As a result, Grenfell progress to this Saturday's minor semi-final against the Trundle Boomers.
They lost 26-24 against the Peak Hill Roosters in the qualifying final, Peak Hill now tackle Binalong on Sunday for a guaranteed spot in this year's Woodbridge Cup grand final.
Grenfell Goannas 30 (Phil Rolls, Shannon Lee, Mena Aditagane, Sam Ingram, Dan Harveyson and Steve Ingram tries; Phil Ingram 3 conv.) defeated Canowindra Tigers 16 (Nick Willson, Curtis Hughes, Aaron Earsman tries; Matt McLean 2 conv.)
