THE little things can make all the difference in grand finals and that was the case on Sunday as Rugby captain Jordan Moran made a couple of outstanding tactical decisions in his side's win.
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The decision to bowl Mitch Bower first change may have seemed a strange move, considering Adrian Carey and Ryan Medley had been the main spinners all season, but it paid off in the best possible way as Bower dismissed danger men Jason Green and James O'Brien and never let the pressure ease in his spell of 3-12 from eight overs.
Later in the match Jacob Harvey and Wade Burrowes had combined for a 47-run partnership for the Blues and, despite Rugby being well on top, Moran continued to change things up and brought back Ben Patterson.
With Harvey on strike Moran pushed Ryan Medley back to the boundary rope at mid-wicket and very next ball Patterson dropped one short and Medley hardly had to move.
While everyone felt sorry for Jason Green after Macquarie lost the first grade decider, spare a thought for Wayne Cole and his RSL-Colts team in the Kelly Cup.
For the fourth year in a row Colts just fell short at the final hurdle and again finished as runners-up.
It was made even more painful given the fact it was so close, with Rugby winning the third grade title with just two overs and four wickets remaining.
Despite the loss it was great to see so many of the Colts first and second graders in attendance and supporting their side.
There were a couple of bizarre moments in the Whitney Cup final that are likely not to be seen again anytime soon.
Steve Knight came out with the score at 1-26 for Macquarie and on just his third ball he blasted a straight drive back at Ben Taylor which bounced off the bowlers foot and into the hands of Dan Horrocks.
It was one of the most unfortunate ways to get out and made even more painful for Knight given he also got a duck in his previous Whitney Cup grand final appearance, back in 2004 with Newtown.
Meanwhile, when Jason Green was batting he ducked a Taylor full toss which went on to clip the top of middle stump.
Despite the protests of the Rugby players, umpire Doug Sandry stood his ground and called no-ball for an over the waist delivery.
It was a big moment in the match but one that Sandry got right.
On the topic of the umpires, Sandry and John DeLyall deserve to be congratulated for their performance, not just in the final but also the semi-final between Macquarie and Colts.
Rain caused havoc with the finals series but the men in the middle made sure things ran smoothly as they judged when to take the covers on and and off.
Umpires can cop a lot of criticism in local cricket but the best sign of great umpiring is there was barely a word spoke of their performances after the semi and grand final.
There was a couple of interesting moments while talking to Jason Green after the match.
'Greeny' said his side will be back bigger and better than ever next season and hinted there could be a couple of new faces in his squad.
Angus Cusack is expected to be back in first grade after battling injury most of this season but Green wouldn't give any names away of who could be joining him in their Whitney Cup side.
On the topic of Macquarie players, there was a bit of an emotional moment in the Blues' sheds after the match when Jacob Harvey announced he wouldn't be playing cricket next season.
Harvey struggled to tell his teammates of his decision and it was a surprise to the side as Harvey is a much liked and popular member of the squad.
A young player who has battled chronic back problems in his career it's unsure if they played a role in his decision but he will be a player missed around the Blues camp.
Lastly a congratulations to the Rugby club on a hugely successful season.
Two titles and three sides in grand finals is an outstanding achievement for the club which also had a second side in the Kelly Cup this season, their Youth Development side.
It's a great reward for people like Al Horrocks, Pat Moses and the board as well as Jordan Moran who has worked hard at instilling a real culture in his Whitney Cup side.
With some of the most talented players in the area plus a host of young players coming through, the men in light blue already look like the sides to beat next season.