Lucy Rowles

The Macquarie Raiders under-18s had a piece of Group 11 history to rewrite this season, after falling short in the 2009 grand final to CYMS and they never let Wellington come close to ruining their party coming out 42-18 in the grand final at Apex Oval yesterday.

Seven tries to four was the difference between the two sides, aided with a huge effort from second rower Corey Cox who booted seven from seven and added a four-pointer.

In the opening stages it was evident they were out to shine when a loose Wellington ball was picked up by second rower Corey Cox and sent out to centre Alex Ronayne who fell just short of the line.

Once they regained possession, it was on, with a good run by Country second rower Matt Langby creating space for half-back Matt Toole to make a break, Kieren Schipp’s careful footwork kept the ball alive and allowed him to get it to Dylan Fuller for the first try.

About 10 minutes passed before Toole found his way in yet again for the minor premiers, Cox added the two points and they had 12 on the Cowboys just 15 minutes in.

Still the Cowboys were never ones to back away and when the ball fell astray in Macquarie’s attacking line, Corey Stanley as expected didn’t miss a beat, swooping on the ball and running 40 metres to score.

It was then became a try for a try as winger Eric Fernando found his way for Macquarie and second rower Tim Williams for the Cowboys.

As Cox went in just before the break for Macquarie they certainly the superior side with a 16-point advantage.

Raiders coach Greg Edwards has worked hard all season to see that his boys remain cool headed in their approach, and he was relieved to see it had all paid off yesterday.

In the second half Wellington had their used chances but also had their misfortunes as little mistakes allowed for Macquarie to capitalise.

They continued to fight with two tries to the Raiders three.

EJ Fernando opened the scoring in the second half to give the Raiders their fifth and his second for the match, he was joined by Leroy Toomey and Blake Hall who pushed the Cowboys further out of reach.

A little bit of Stanley magic and the Cowboys where on on the left corner, Matt Ryan joined him with one to the right, but it was a matter of too little too late for the Cowboys who fell short by 22 points.