Both games had it all; surprise, skill, drama and end-to-end action as well as what many have said to be the largest crowd seen out at Burrangong since AFL has been held there.

With supporters from both sides being true to their colours, there was a tremendous amount of passion shown on both the paddock and sidelines.

On behalf of the players, our board and committee, thank you one and all for your support on Saturday and hope to see and hear you all again soon.

The Under 18s faced off against the Blues who were undermanned, but not under done.

The Cowra boys deadest ambushed the Saints who, running into the wind, had no answer to their oppositions forward running pressure going into the first break down 30-2.

The second stanza started better for the Saints, taking on the advice from coach Ray and started to play for each other.

Captain Jarrod Pope had a solid first half in the ruck, winning the majority of the contests and along with Ethan Silk, Zac Callaghan, and Jack DeBritt, turned the tide in Young’s favour.

The Saints and Blues went head-to-head and shot for shot in the third quarter, and this set the game up for an exciting finish.

Best on ground went to Brady LeStrange and Jack Barnes, who is only getting better each week.

He played leading from defence to the forward line, seeing the Saints kick away to a final siren score of 87-57.

Jarrod Filmer kicked two important goals to help give the Saints the edge and with training and more understanding of the game young Filmo will become a handy forward line asset.

After witnessing a great spirited preceding game and hearing the crowd getting vocal, the senior side took to the field with an expectation of a real positive showing against a team that, since the club’s return from a 19 year hibernation in 2007, haven’t been beaten in First Grade.

As with the first game the Saints struggled in the first quarter, but tenaciously clawed their way back into the contest over the next two and half stanzas with Drew Morris taking on the Blues’ forwards and leading our defenders extremely well.

“Sorry Mogga, there’s no mention of kicking 10 goals, but you helped stop as many and you carried the backline well,” committee member Geoff Harmer said.

Griffo had one of his best games for the club and cut off many Cowra attacking raids, and Rence Cummins and Ethan Silk did some good things.

Ethan Cummins rucked hard and confidently again, but he had back up last week and Luke Simms dominated the ruck when he was thrust into the contests.

Rob Harrington and Sam Herzich were great in the midfield and Fred Cummins was a real pest in the middle and on the wings.

Up front, the forwards jelled well this week, and having two taller targets to aim at, gave the midfielders some great options.

 Full forward Andrew Pratt attracted plenty of defenders enabling the likes of Jarrod Pope and Rowan Hoskins in the forward fifty.

Anthony Webb on the half forward line was in everything and it was his pick up and go running goal that put the Saints in front for the first time in the match, half way through the final term.

The standout however was the Stewarts Jewellers best on ground recipient Ben McInerney who was unstoppable at marking and setting up goals, as well as bagging a fist full of six pointers himself in the Saints 89-81 victory.

Saturday also saw the final appearance in the red, white and black by Simon Rathjen.

“Simo” or to some affectionately known as “Spewy” was in fine form on Saturday in the backline, and he is going to be sorely missed by all involved in the club, especially his fellow back men.

I had the honour of not just playing alongside Simo but as a co-club captain and his passion and will to win is quite infections.

Mate, all at the Saints wish you all the best in your future endeavours and if you’re ever back this way I’m sure we’ll find a spot somewhere on the paddock for you.

The Weekly Volunteer of the Day Award went to young Ellie Silk, who was developing the knowledge of AFL football by doing the scores and waving the flags (goal umpiring).