Dubbo CYMS defeated the Wellington Cowboys on Saturday to move through to the Group 11 grand final.
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That's what happened, but it doesn't go close to telling the full story of the major semi-final at Apex Oval.
In a physically demanding and captivating game that featured a number of incidents, the Fishies beat Wellington by two points to move through to a ninth successive decider.
The drama started in the very first minute when Cowboys fullback Will Lousick scooped up a loose ball and raced 60m to score and it didn't stop until after the final whistle.
Wellington got back to 28-26 inside the final 10 minutes and Brock Naden could have levelled things up with five to go but his penalty goal hit the post and missed, before the Cowboys created one last chance after the hooter sounded and booted the ball downfield, only for CYMS fullback Tom Yeo to beat Mason Williams and Wallace Bruce to the ball and ensure a CYMS victory.
The back and forth nature of the game was one thing, but a Jarryn Powyer high shot in the fourth minute was the biggest talking point. The hit on Steve Gordon, combined with his head hitting the turf, resulted in the Cowboys centre being knocked unconscious and transported from the ground via ambulance, and the CYMS captain-coach being put on report by referee Willy Barnes.
Gordon was later given the all clear at hospital, and while some Cowboys fans called for a send-off Powyer stayed on but will face a nervous wait to see if he is cleared for the September 8 grand final.
Despite that drama Powyer went on to star up front in the thrilling win, one that ensures a week off for the minor premiers.
"It's unreal," Powyer said of the win.
"You never want to think too much about the next week but there moments where I was thinking whoever has to back-up next week will feel it.
"It's tough when the top two sides play to the last minute, it's a big ask."
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As well as the loss of Gordon, the Cowboys were also without Jack Kempston for the entire second half due to a shoulder injury while Lousick, Williams, and Josh Griffiths all required attention at different parts of the game.
"I'm very proud of the boys' efforts," Wellington coach Justin Toomey-White said post-game, staying positive.
"There was a bit of stop and start stuff at the start but to stay in it and fight to the end, I'm proud.
"You can look at that (loss of players) and the heat as well, it plays a part. But we're not looking for excuses.
"We had our chances as well and we didn't take them so we'll go back to the drawing board and get ready for next week."
The Cowboys took some time to get going after Gordon's departure and after some fine work from Alex Bonham and then the recalled Luke Jenkins, in after Cameron Dennis was ruled out with illness, CYMS struck twice through Jyie Chapman and Ben Marlin to lead 10-4 after 15 minutes.
The Cowboys soon got back into the groove though and tries for Wade Peachey and Mason Williams had them in front again, only for CYMS to do something they've done so many times over the years and score just before the break.
A Powyer try gave the minor premiers a 16-14 lead at the break and they were in again just two minutes into the second half when a leaping Viliame Turuva collected a Bonham bomb and put Chapman over for his second.
The Cowboys never stopped fighting to get back in the game in a second half which became heated at times.
The sides swapped tries again and despite Wellington winger Wallace Bruce scoring with 10 to go to get his side back within two, CYMS' immense defensive effort late on and Yeo's sprint to the ball on full-time saw them win through.
"A lot of credit has to go to Wellington," Powyer stated.
"They were pretty short but they stuck it out for the 80 minutes and there was a few times there we were pretty close to kicking away and had an eight-point buffer but it was a massive effort from them.
"We know we have to be much, much better come grand final day."
Toomey-White admitted his side will have to work hard during the week to get back to full fitness before a preliminary final clash with either Nyngan or Forbes, who play on Sunday.
CYMS will enjoy the weekend off and in terms of who they meet on grand final day, Powyer isn't too fazed.
"I have no idea and I don't care too much," he said.
"I just wan't to make sure we're tip top and ready to go."
As well as the captain-coach's trip to the judiciary, the Fishies will also have to deal with a Ben Marlin injury after he failed to finish the match as well.
- DUBBO CYMS 28 (Jyie Chapman 2, Ben Marlin, Jarryn Powyer, Billy Sing; Alex Bonham 4 conversions) defeated WELLINGTON COWBOYS 26 (Mason Williams 2, Will Lousick, Wade Peachey, Wallace Bruce tries; Brock Naden 2, Williams conversions)