It was weeks of hard training and team work that helped secure a grand final victory for Lithgow Storm's under 16 side when they took on Orange CYMS at Bathurst on Saturday, September 7.
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The rugby league juniors took to the field in windy conditions and according to coach Ben Lane it "wasn't an ideal day for footy".
"It was very windy, which made for a tough first half, we were down 12-4 but the boys rallied together and defended well," he said.
Despite being held up twice over the line towards the end of the game, Storm still proved strong and went back to the sheds with a 22-12 win.
Lane said the score could have been higher and while it was a slow start to the match, the wind was an advantage in the second half.
"We were running into the wind in the first half but we had it behind us in the second half and we used it to our advantage.
"Their defence was outstanding and their hard work got them the result they deserved," he said.
Lane said himself and fellow coaches Ross Harrington and Jason Nunan were all proud of their team's efforts this year.
"We are all very proud of the boys to go through undefeated and win the grand final - that's amazing in itself.
"They play some tough footy and they handle it well," he said.
Having won their first semi against CYMS 18-12, Storm had the controversial week off.
"CYMS seem to turn the pressure up because we were down 12-6 and made a comeback to book our grand final spot.
"There's always that worry with the week off before a grand final but we got to rest up, there was no chance for injuries and with the hard work the boys have put in during the season, we could afford to have that week off," Lane said.
Cooper Nunan was named man of the match taking the honours just in front of Kye Cameron, according to Lane.
"It was hard to pick out one individual because all the boys played their hearts out," he said.
LITHGOW STORM 22 (Lachlan Taylor, Tyler West, Kye Cameron, Cooper Nunan, goals Cooper Egan 3) def ORANGE CYMS 12.
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