Scorpions coach Adam Bettridge reckons Macquarie can now put the chokers tag to bed after claiming the NSW Challenge Cup at Mudgee on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Playing the curtain-raiser to the last City-Country Origin, the back-to-back Newcastle Rugby League runner’s up collected some silverware for the trophy cabinet at Toronto after defeating the Concord-Glebe-Burwood Wolves 30-18 in the state knockout decider.
“There’s a bit of stigma around about us being chokers, but we’ve been working really hard and we’re confident in what we do,” Bettridge said.
“I’m not even sure if there is a trophy cabinet at Toronto, but we’ve got something for it now anyway and there’s a few young boys that a very happy.
“A couple of results were bad [for us in recent years] but this one went our way.”
Macquarie were minor premiers last year, but lost their second straight grand final. The club’s sole major premiership was in 1991.
In the NSW Rugby League showdown the Scorpions trailed 12-0 early but Andy Sumner, Adam Swadling and Royce Geoffrey scored consecutive tries to take a six-point lead into the break.
Macquarie then extended their advantage to 18 with Randall Briggs and Matt Hay both crossing the line before the Wolves nabbed a late consolation try.
Chris Hyde was successful with all five conversions.
“I was super proud of our performance, especially digging our heels in,” Bettridge said. “What a result for Country Rugby League and Newcastle Rugby League. It’s simply outstanding.”
