THE Grafton Redmen’s season ended in an epic rain-soaked contest on Sunday going down 25-19 against SCU Marlins in the Mid North Coast minor semi-final at Leisure Park Coffs Harbour on Sunday.
In a tough, grinding game, Marlins scored a late try to seal victory after Grafton held a slender 18-17 lead with ten-minutes left on the clock.
After a series of penalties, the home side produced a well-rehearsed move down the short side from the scrum to land the killer blow.
Earlier, Marlins clung on to a narrow 10-6 lead at the break until Grafton winger Mosese Uluicici swooped on a misdirected Marlins pass like a bird of prey to sprint 80-metres to give his side the lead.
However, Marlins never-say-die attitude saw them score two second-half tries to claim victory and advance to next week’s preliminary final.
Redmen fullback Aaron Taylor wound back the clock with his radar right boot landing conversions and penalty goals from all parts of the field.
Grafton first grade coach Gary Powell was emotional after the game but proud of his side’s effort.
“That was tough, I’m extremely disappointed, especially when you are in front with ten to go,” Powell said.
“I thought we did enough to win the game, and our defence was outstanding today, but we fell short again.”
There were emotional scenes after the match as Redmen players struggled to come to terms with the narrow loss.
Players formed a tight circle as the Fijian players sung their spine-tingling hymn with all players arm in arm.
“It was a nice touch and there were some special words spoken after the game,” Powell added.
“We are a close group, and we have become closer throughout the season. The Islander boys are our mates and you could see the hurt and disappointment in their eyes after the loss which in a way is a positive leading into next season.”
