Dora Creek is through to the Win Network A Grade rugby league grand final for the first time in 13 years following the Swampies' 24-6 victory over Belmont in last Sunday's major semi-final.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After having a week off from being minor premiers, the Swampies had an exceptional preparation by adding a training session to simulate game-style conditions and ensure the players match fit.
Coach David Hoban said that the feeling in the camp was very positive and focused and everyone was up for this game, particularly knowing the last time the two team met the Swampies were beaten by two points.
"It was great conditions on Sunday after having the game postponed from Saturday due to wet weather and oval availability. It was not the best start we could have asked for and for the first 10 minutes we were under a lot of pressure and had no possession," Hoban said.
Dora Creek were forced to defend their line on numerous occasions before finally clicking into rhythm. "Once we got some possession and good field position we scored a try to co-captain and centre Scott Fitzpatrick."
Soon after Brad Clark cut them open to score a solo try and with a successful conversion from Chris Marlborough the Swampies led 12-2.
Belmont hit back with a try of their own to take the halftime score to 12-6 in favour of Dora Creek.
Fifteen minutes into the second half Dora Creek's Diamond Charlie scored under the posts after a beautiful pass from hooker Marlborough.
"To Belmont's credit they kept coming at us and when hooker Zac Brown was sin binned for 10 minutes with 14 minutes remaining the Dora Creek boys had to really find something with only 12 men on the field. We defended at least five sets in a row at one stage and the boys lifted for each other and just kept turning up for one another."
Eventually, centre Todd Murphy scored under the posts to seal the match 24-6 and take the Swampies into their first grand final in 13 years to be played on September 14.
"Players, supporters and staff are extremely happy with the result but we know that there is still one game to go and we need to make sure our focus and preparation is spot on."