Collingwood crowned champions
Black and Gold - and silver: the triumphant Collingwood squad and back-room staff pose with the John Goodman Trophy. Photos: Jo Richards.
was the level of performance across the paddock that just about every player on both sides could quite justifiably be awarded the accolade. There could, however, only be one team winner on Saturday and Collingwood’s well-deserved reward for all their hard work was not just the precious silverware added to their trophy cabinet, but the pride and joy of winning.
Continued from page 1 But the lead didn’t last for long. While the home supporters were still celebrating, Stoke mounted a rapid counter attack and won a penalty of their own, bringing the scores level at 3-3. The points seemed to stir the visitors and, as the clock ticked towards half-time, Collingwood were digging deep, defending fiercely and putting in some spectacular try-saving tackles as Stoke demonstrated their slick passing skills. The second half picked up from where the first had left off – at a relentless pace and intensity. Collingwood were now turning the screw, dominating lineouts, and grinding their way towards the try line. But they couldn’t capitalise on their territory gains and, time after time, promising attacks broke down, much to the frustration of supporters and players. The Black and Gold kept attacking, wave after wave crashing onto the Red’s solid defensive shoreline, until it seemed that the breakthrough would never come. However, around an hour into the game, Collingwood’s Stevie McLellan – along with his teammates and the home supporters – thought he had scored the elusive try when he wriggled over the line, but it was quickly ruled out be the referee. As full time approached, the crowd started to wonder what would happen if there score remained tied. The answer was a further 10 minutes each way, and it was 20 minutes of continued full-on rugby as both sides went at each other hammer and tongs to carve out a scoring chance. Collingwood had the better of the exchanges and came within inches of
registering a try, but were thwarted by the visitors’ desperate defending. With the game well beyond the 95-minute mark, the home side were awarded a penalty inside the Stoke 22, just to the left of the posts. It was a golden opportunity to wrap up the match but the ball sailed agonisingly wide. The home crowd let out a collective groan, while the away supporters cheered. Now the crowd were asking what would happen if the game finished 3-3 at the end of the extra period. This time the answer was, because Collingwood had beaten Stoke in a head-to-head earlier in the season, the home side would take out the trophy. So when the final whistle went it signalled the start of wild celebrations amongst the Collingwood squad and their supporters. As players and officials gathered on the pitch it was a proud Stoke captain Jacob Curtis who paid tribute to his players. “It was one hell of a game. We can hold our heads up high.” The victorious skipper Steven Strange responded saying it was “an awesome game” and acknowledging his teammates, and those behind the scenes. “Thanks to the club and the supporters, and to PhysEx who kept us going, and to Bay Fitness for six weeks of pre-season training…” Understandably Collingwood coach Graeme Miller was pretty chuffed with his season’s work. “I’m ecstatic to win the trophy… The boys were outstanding, they had to be. It’s been a great season; the boys are committed and trained hard.” It’s traditional to highlight a Most Valuable Player, but such
Skipper Stephen Strange lifts the cup.
High achievers: the Black and Gold increasingly dominated the lineouts.
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Collingwood coach Graeme Miller.
THE GB WEEKLY, FRIDAY 30 JULY 2021