The Ilfracombe Scorpions have prevailed against all odds over the weekend to book a spot in the grand final of the Central West Rugby League competition to be played at Longreach on September 12.
In a belter of a match the Scorpions came back from a 14-0 halftime deficit to beat Winton 22-20.
Long-time club supporter Nadia Wakefield said during the decisive final 15 minutes of the match the atmosphere around the field was electric.
“We had a send-off with 15 minutes to go in the match, which could have easily been the knock-out punch for their chances,” she said.
But after a year in which the Ilfracombe squad lost the use of their home field due to the surface being degraded to unplayable level caused by drought-imposed water restrictions the Scorpions dug deep and scored two late tries to even the scores at 20 apiece with three minutes left.
“I think you could hear a pin drop during the kick conversion,” Nadia said.
But the tough sideline two-pointer sailed through much to the delight of the Scorpions supporters in attendance.
The Scorpions will now have to wait on the result of the Blackall v Winton match this weekend to see who their opponent will be in the grand final.
To prepare for the lead-up to the finals the side has been holding their training sessions in Longreach so they can conduct full contact drills,
“At Ilfracombe the playing surface is so degraded that the team has only been able to conduct running drills.”
The club has been inundated with support since news broke of their plight with Townsville-based Tropic Petroleum helping out by covering the transport costs for the club.
Nadia said once the region is down to level one water restrictions, council has promised to returf the field.
“But that is dependent on the area receiving rain which has not been forthcoming.”
“In the meantime, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to fence the field so that when we do have things back up too playing conditions we’ll be protected against the local kangaroo population.
“We need to keep the roo’s out, as they come onto the unfenced field and eat what little grass is left.”
Nadia said a couple of silent sponsors are helping out with the costs of the fencing supplies needed and along with Scorpions coach and carpenter Trent Hoad they have a group of enthusiastic locals willing to lend a hand to erect the fence.
Be sure to go along to the match on September 12 to show your support for the entire central west region.