The first forty minutes was fully controlled by Swifts, constantly gaining territory and being camped in OGs half for much of the period. The only time the visitors broke out was through kicking from hand or Swifts handing them needless penalties. Despite Swifts not managing to turn possession into points, OGs never really looked like troubling the scoreboard.

With five minutes of the half to go, Swifts finally got their reward through Hooker James Harley, allowing them to go in 7-0 up at half time after Robson added the extras.

The second half saw OGs come out of the blocks almost like a different team, putting great phases together and looking menacing in each attack phase and testing the Swifts defensive resolve. A turnover in their own 22 saw a very rapid OG’s winger slice through Swifts and score within the first five minutes of the half and truly set out their intent.

OGs continued to pick up the pace and were again running rampant at each opportunity, Swifts defence was staying strong but was getting more rattled on each attack. OGs ramped up the intensity and their attack phases were always looking dangerous and it was not long until they added two more converted tries and a penalty to the scoreboard. 7-24 to the good with just 15 minutes to go.

Swifts had to react and knew it could be done but now had to be clinical through every phase. Waide Allen started the fight back with a lovely chip through on the 22 which he chased and touched down himself, 12-24 with ten minutes to go.

Next it was the forwards who took control, keeping the ball tight and drawing in the opposition defenders allowing Shaun Glover to crash through beneath the posts. 19-24 with less than five minutes remaining.

A turnover penalty in the middle of the pitch proved pivotal for Swifts as they regained possession and then went through phase after phase to work their way up the pitch, no player giving an inch to the opposition. When in the OGs 22, the ball was then spun out to winger Tom Stafford who finished the move off, touching down in the corner which unfortunately was not converted. Final score 24-24.

It was the final league match of the season and Swifts showed fantastic spirit towards the end, although they know it was a position they should not have put themselves in.

Swifts finished their league campaign in fifth place.

Points Scorers

No 2 James Harley sponsored by Mr David Fray
No 10 Waide Allen sponsored by Hills Plumbing and Heating
No 11 Tom Stafford sponsored by Creative Windows
No 15 Robbo Robson sponsored by CPLC Associates
No 17 Shaun Glover sponsored by Mr Mike Smith