But first, the grand final.

The Under 17s will head to Conelly Park in Wagga tomorrow where they will come head-to-head with Wagga City in what is expected to be an exciting match.

The side sealed a place in tomorrow’s Southern Inland Rugby Union grand final after a thrilling 13-12 win over Wagga Waratahs last Saturday in Tumut.

Coming off a 39-5 demolition of the Temora Tuskers in the qualifying final two weeks ago, the Yabbies faced a stiff challenge from the Tahs who finished one place above the Yabbies in second spot in the regular season.

But the Yabbies drew upon the grit and spirit they have displayed all year to steal the win and a grand final position.

Despite Wagga City posing a tough challenge for the young Yabbies after registering two more wins during the season, it’s the Yabbies who have played a more expansive game as evidenced by 12 bonus points to City’s 11.

Young are feeling confident in bringing home a win against the side who sent them packing earlier on in the year.

“The boys have come a long way since then,” co-coach Paul Everdell  said.

“During the course of the year they’ve gone from a rabble into a team.”

The boys have trained twice this week in preperation for the grand final and continue to show much enthusiasm. 

According to Everdell the grand final plan is to “keep it simple”.

The Young side will be boosted by several  players, including James McEvoy and Ross Everdell who have regularly filled in for the senior grades throughout the year and made worthy impacts.

Their path through the SIRU season was built on a solid pre-season platform including an outdoor team building weekend in Kosciusko National Park.

The Under 17s grand final will kick-off at 10am on Ground 1 at Conolly Rugby Complex, Wagga tomorrow.

But the excitement doesn’t end there for the youngsters who will wrap up their season with a weeklong trip to Tasmania in a few weeks time.

The boys adventure will begin on September 25 when they will board their flights and head to Launceston, Tasmania.

As well as sightseeing and different activities the boys will come head-to-head with Tasmania’s State Rugby Union team at Launceston and Devonport. 

“They’ve (Tasmanian State team) been keen to get us down there and start doing these sort of things,” Everdell said. 

Just as expected the boys are excited to head off on their adventure.

“They’re very excited,” Everdell said.

“A lot of the boys haven’t flown, so I think actually going on the tour and playing a couple of games of rugby would be a good experience for them.”

But just like with any overseas trip, it comes with costs, and the Under 17s have been busy raising money in order to fund their trip. 

If you would like to assist the boys in their fundraising efforts you can purchase a raffle ticket from the players, attend the battery drive through Tyrepower, or take part in their ‘Labour for Hire’ fundraiser. 

The Yabbies would like to thank the Under 17s major sponsors  Bargwanna and Gerrard and ABC Freighters, as well as raffle contributors the Empire hotel, Tyrepower Young, Young Hotel, McAlister Motors, IGA, Woolies, Café de Jour, Sharron’s Hairline, Gusollio’s, Caltex, The Fruit Barn, Workwear Centre, M&M’s, Brian Maroney’s Electrical Discount, Landmark Rappjam catering, Harvey Norman, Young Services Club, Aussie Supps, Young Motors, Moggas Marqee Hire, Delta Ag, Chalkers Crossing, Country Providore, Terry Bros, Gary’s Gourmet Meats, Houston Pork , BlueStill Distillery, Jolly Roger and South West Slopes Credit Union.