UPDATE: The Young Cherrypickers have kept their championship dreams alive with a stunning 28-14 victory over the Temora Dragons in a crucial minor semi-final at Alfred Oval on July 15, 2023. Just six days after suffering a devastating 46-18 loss to Gundagai, the Cherrypickers made a remarkable turnaround, demonstrating resilience that could define their season.
Young came out firing, scoring three tries in the opening 25 minutes, quickly establishing a commanding 16-0 lead at halftime. Team captain and coach Tom Giles opened the scoring, followed by tries from Nayah Freeman and Kai Parker. “We started strong, there was a bit of a lapse towards the middle of the game, but we came good and toughed it out,” Giles stated after the match, acknowledging the team’s need to bounce back.
As the second half unfolded, the Dragons responded vigorously, with players Timoci Vatubuli, Nick Bett, and Will McDermott narrowing the gap to just two points. The pressure mounted on Young as they faced a one-man disadvantage due to Jonah Latu‘s sin binning. However, the Cherrypickers rallied, with Jayle Hogan scoring to relieve some tension, and Boro Navori sealing the victory late in the match.
Giles praised his team for their strong performance against Temora, especially compared to their previous encounter where they fell behind early. “The boys listened, we came up with a good game plan,” he emphasized, showcasing the team’s growth and adaptability.
Despite missing star playmaker Tom Demeio due to illness, who had been a crucial player in earlier matches, Young proved their depth and determination. Demeio’s return from suspension after his red card in the Gundagai match was also a topic of concern; however, the team’s performance showcased their potential to contend for the title.
Looking ahead, the Cherrypickers will face the loser of the upcoming major semi-final between Kangaroos and Gundagai at Tumut. Giles expressed the need for more consistency, aiming to secure back-to-back grand final appearances. “We can’t seem to string a good 80 minutes together, but we’ve got a good 50 odd so we’ll focus on that,” he remarked.
In a poignant turn, Temora’s loss marks the end of co-coach Josh McCrone‘s playing career. McCrone, who played 161 NRL games with Canberra and St George Illawarra, returned to his junior club after a successful stint abroad. His coaching tenure, which saw Temora end a 14-year finals drought in 2022, will be remembered despite the team’s struggles in the finals.
This dramatic victory not only propels Young forward in the finals but also sets the stage for an intense battle as they strive for the championship title. Fans are eager to see if the Cherrypickers can maintain this momentum going into the next round. The excitement continues to build as the finals unfold, with every match bringing new twists and turns.
