On Saturday Roberts Park was rocking as the Harden Red Devils hosted Cootamundra in what was a fiery preliminary final clash for the final spot against the Boorowa Goldies in the Central West Rugby Union South West Cup.
In a game worthy of the second and third spot teams the Red Devils came out swinging putting the first points on the board thanks to an early penalty goal.
The boys settled their nerves following the points, knowing what was on the line if they didn't dig deep and get the win, however, Cootamundra also knew what it would cost them and instead of rolling over the Tri Colours hit back with three three of their own to level up the score.
The Red Devils weren't deterred though with Oliver Fairfield-Smith stepping through three defenders, straight from the back of the scrum to cross the line for the Harden side and leaving Coota grasping for air and putting the Red Devils back in the lead.
Just before half time the Tri Colours snuck in another goal just taking the lead 8-10, however, coming into the second half the Red Devils were amped up and ready to fight for their spot in the big dance.
Cootamundra were just as revved up following the break and crossed to add points holding the Red Devils scoreless up until 20 minutes into the final half of the game with the Red Devils trailing 8-17, but with the clock ticking down, the Harden men dug deep and responded to the Coota side with three unanswered tries boosted by the home crowd and not leaving anything on the field to finish the game ahead 25-17.
The Club called the match a comeback for the ages and a performance to remember.
The Club is calling on locals to back the team and paint the town red in support of the side that has fought hard all throughout the season to end up against the Goldies.
The Goldies will be looking to improve on their last performance in the grand final last year where they just missed out on the win against the Young Yabbies.
The Red Devils finished out the normal season in second place on the ladder behind the Goldies.
Out of the 14 regular season games the Red Devils won 12 and lost only twice, both losses against the Goldies, however, the men put in some massive results in their other competition games.
To kick off the season the Devils faced off against the Tri Colours and won 26-21, next they brought home a 40-0 win against Condobolin Rams, the Tuskers went down to Harden 17-36 before the boys scored a massive 57-15 win against the Grenfell Panthers and backed it up the following week with a 45-5 win over the West Wyalong Weevils.
The Red Devils had an easy 43-27 win over the Yabbies at Cranfield oval on May 24 before they faced off against the Goldies who they went down to 17-31.
Following the week off for the long weekend the Red Devils defeated the Tri Colours again 10-7 before they defeated the Condo Rams 17-38 at Condo Rugby Club.
When the Harden side played against the Tuskers again it was a very similar outcome as the first time with the Red Devils winning 48-7.
The game against the Panthers in Grenfell was a little closer, however, the Red Devils proved to be too strong, defeating the home side 12-17.
The boys returned to their clear winning streak defeating the West Wyalong Weevils 29-10 at West Wyalong before an easy win against the Yabbies 33-7 at home.
In the final round of the normal season the boys put up a good fight, however, they were outdone by the Goldies 26-5 and then faced them again on August 9 in the major semi final where they just missed out on the win 27-20.
The Tri Colours were too dominant for the Yabbies in the minor semi final winning 42-7, leaving them to face off against the Red Devils last weekend.
With only one more 80 minute effort the boys will be looking to dig deep and play with heart when they face off against the Goldies in Boorowa at the Rugby Club.
Locals are being encouraged to head on down the road and support the team with kick off for the 2025 grand final to take place at 3.15pm on Saturday afternoon.