The Yabbies hosted Canberra Grammar and Wagga Aggies on Saturday which proved to be a rugby smorgasbord.
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In what was a record, six games of rugby were played on Cranfield Oval.
The Aggies were one point ahead of Young in First Grade on the ladder before the clash, so it was always going to be a close encounter.
Wagga ended up getting the upper hand late in the second half, after Young let the students in at the 50 minute mark.
The game could have gone either way, however some poor decision making in the second half cost Young the game.
Young’s best were Aaron Seaman and Sam Bunny in the forwards, and some strong running with the centre pairing of Drew Arabin and club icon Oxy Loco in the backs.
The Under 18s went down in a close encounter with Canberra Grammar School, 14-17.
The Cranfield spectators were kept on the edge of their seats up until the final minutes when Canberra Grammar went over for a late try to seal the win.
The Grammer forwards were very well drilled and maintained possession for long periods, denying the Yabbies backline of opportunities.
The two clear cut opportunities both resulted in tries for Ross Everdell and Luke Doldissen.
The home side showed huge improvements in the scrum and lineouts made for a very even contest.
Coach Don Blue said there were no standouts this week, “just a solid team effort”.
Many of the boys went on to play Third Grade against Ag College, proving more than capable in the senior grade.
This week the Under 18s are off to Canberra to play Vikings at Gourie Oval, Rivett. Kick off at 1pm.
The Under 16s continue to prove they are competitive in the Canberra Schools Under 16 First Division competition, recording their second win in five games against Canberra Grammar School last Saturday.
The win follows on from a victory against Daramalan College and a close loss to a strong Marist College side recently.
The Yabbies thrilled the local crowd with a determined comeback from nil-7 down at half time to run out 21-17 victors.
An outstanding game from flanker Austin Grace and strong defence by Kayne Mills set up a second half that delivered tries to Ignacio Bonsembiante, Sam Davis and, Lachie Tomes, while five-eighth Bonsembiante was deadly with the boot, converting all three tries.
The Under 16s have been bolstered by some new signings, some returning players and extra support from the Under 15s and have shown enormous improvement from their first showing in the new competition.
“These boys have really benefitted from exposure to quality opposition each week, and I don’t think even they fully realise how much they have improved,” Blue said.
“By the end of this season I think we may even show some of the top teams in this competition that a trip to the bush isn’t going to be easy.”
This week the 16s travel to Canberra for the return match against Daramalan College, kicking off at 12.30pm
At the completion of the game the club held the after-match presentations at Yabbies HQ - Cranfield Clubhouse.
“We may have lost [First Grade], but that didn’t dampen the spirits of everyone who enjoyed wood fired pizzas, and Op Shot dress code and some music into the night,” club president Ben Reid said.
This Saturday the Yabbies head to Leeton to take on the giant killers, who knocked over the Albury Steamers last Saturday.
It will be a tough road trip for the crustaceans, however there is a good feeling in the camp after some improved performances in recent weeks.
