The Dubbo Kangaroos Blues went into Saturday's Central West Junior Rugby Union under 15s grand final as favourites and they didn't disappoint.
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The Kangaroos turned in a dominant display to topple a gallant Mudgee Wombats 41-7 at Orange's Pride Park and finish the season as undefeated premiers.
Kangaroos captain Leo Bassingthwaighte said there was one word to describe how he was feeling after the win.
"Overwhelmed," he said.
"It's been a hard time training and we played our structure and we won."
Both sides struggled to maintain possession early in the game as they adjusted to the cold and windy conditions.
Once Dubbo settled into the game they were able to put on three tries in the opening half to lead 15-0 at the break.
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A fourth try just over a minute into the second half pushed Dubbo's lead out to 22-0.
Mudgee responded quickly with fullback Thomas Durrant scoring minutes later to close the gap to 22-7.
But this would be the only time the Dubbo defence would be broken. The Kangaroos put on a further three tries to record a strong grand final victory.
"Mudgee did a great job of coming at us. They played exceptionally well," Dubbo coach James Austin said.
"It's probably the hardest game of footy we've had all year, and so it should be, being the final. We managed to absorb the pressure and get a few tries in. We're very, very happy. Relieved would be a good word for it."
Mudgee coach Phil English said his side went into the decider knowing Dubbo were the favourite but that didn't slow the Wombats.
"Dubbo are a very good side and our guys stuck it to them," English said.
"It was always going to be tough. We were always the underdogs. Dubbo deserved to win but I think our guys showed heart and great ticker and keep on going for the full 60 minutes."
Dubbo hooker Campbell Watts was named man of the match for an impressive game featuring some dangerous runs with ball in hand.
"The way he ran the ball," Bassingthwaighte said, praising Watts.
"He was strong and really low to the ground."
Watts may have stood out but Austin had praise for his entire side after what was a clinical season for the Roos youngsters.
"It doesn't matter what 15 we have on the park. The boys who ran off the bench all contributed. We've been strong like that all year," he said.
