MILTON Rugby Club will host the South Coast Rugby Union final at Frogs Holla this Saturday after an agonising close 12-10 loss to Batemans Bay last Saturday in the major semi-final.
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In a carbon copy of last week's game against the Bay, Milton started brightly taking on the larger Bay pack up front and again dominating possession in the opening stanza.
Milton stuck to their game plan of denying possession to the speedy Batemans Bay backline in the opening period.
Milton were camped in the Bay's territory however were unable to convert their territorial domination into points.
Batemans Bay then managed to get an even share of possession due to Milton turnovers and began to assert their authority.
On about the 15 minute mark, on one of their first forays into Milton's territory, the Batemans Bay five-eighth ghosted across field with Milton defenders hanging off him.
He then set up his fullback to score under the posts, almost without a hand being laid on him.
The extras were added and Batemans Bay had a 7-nil lead against the run of play.
Milton's outside centre Mick Devlin was then sin-binned for a professional foul and the Bay came close to extending their lead only for their winger to fumble a pass with the line wide open.
Only great defence and some good luck prevented the Bay from adding to their score heading towards half-time.
Milton was then able to work their way back into the Bay's territory and were awarded a penalty which was converted by Mat Beauchamp.
Mick Devlin then made amends for his stint in the bin with a blistering run beating a number of defenders and setting up winger Jamie Jones, who was tackled meters from the line.
From the ensuing play, big inside centre, Brett Wellington was able to crash over under the posts for a converted try and an unlikely 10-7 lead at half-time.
The second half was an exciting, tight affair with both teams throwing everything at each other.
Milton came close to scoring on a number of occasions only for poor options to deny them.
Milton also missed a couple of penalty goals and a chance to go up by nine points.
They were left ruing their missed opportunities when second rower Grant Oliver was sin binned for a late tackle leaving them a man down with about 10 minutes remaining.
Batemans Bay took advantage of the extra player and shifted the ball wide for their winger to score in the corner for a 12-10 lead with about seven minutes to go.
The Bay were able to hang on for a close victory and will now host the grand final in two weeks against the winner of Saturday’s final between Milton and Broulee at Frogs Holla this Saturday afternoon.
Best for Milton was the tireless second rower Kiyoshi Yamamoto, captain and breakaway Mat Beauchamp, big inside centre Brett Wellington and young winger Jamie Jones.
The game will start at 3pm and Milton Rugby are calling on all local supporters to make their way to Frogs Holla to cheer on the Platypi in their quest for the south coast premiership.
In further Rugby news, Milton are hoping to enter sides in a junior twilight competition which will be held in Batemans Bay in November.
The competition will start in November and run for about five weeks each Friday night and will be open for under 9s, 10s and 11s.
The parents of any boys or girls interested in playing are asked to call club president David Searle on 0404 095 104, treasurer John Appleton on 0407 845 029 or club captain Simon Davies on 0402 418 412.
The club will also run training sessions prior to the competition so prior experience is not a pre-requisite.
There will also be no registration costs incurred by any children involved.
Parents are also urged to become involved in some way.
Milton Rugby would like thank their sponsors The Star Hotel, Alan May Holden, McDonalds Ulladulla, Ulladulla Joinery, Tyrrell's Wines, Ted's Quality Meats, Kennedy & Cooke, South Coast Storage, Elders Insurance, Saunders Menswear, Kellams Buses and Hedz Up Hair Design for their continued support.
Major semi-final
Batemans Bay Boars defeated Milton Platypi 12-10.
Minor elimination semi-final
Broulee Dolphins defeated Batemans Bay Red 60-nil.
Competition table 2014: Batemans Bay Boars 53, Milton Platypi 49, Broulee Dolphins 29, Batemans Bay Red 13, Bombala Bluetongues 12.
First grade final, 3pm, Milton Platypi v Broulee Dolphins at Frogs Holla, Milton
Plate final, 1pm, Bombala Bluetongues v Batemans Bay Red at Frogs Holla, Milton
