The under 12s progressed to the grand final with a comprehensive 28-0 victory over Glen Innes while frustration boiled over in the under 14s match during a 38-18 loss to Armidale.

President, Louise Ricketts, said the under 14s had a disappointing day with sickness and what they felt were some inconsistent refereeing calls going against them.

“They took a while to get the ball early in the game and then nerves just got the better of them,” she said.

“There were a few things which went against us and then the boys got fired up and it affected their game.”

After finishing the regular season in second spot on the ladder they will get another chance at 1pm this Saturday against Glen Innes.

Ricketts said it was encouraging the score line did not blow out after they trailed 24-4 at half-time.

“We’ve crawled our way from sixth and seventh position earlier in the year for a reason, so we’ll go again,” she said.

The under 12s welcomed back state representative Dwayne Smith and brother Daniel with immediate effect during their 28-point shut-out of Glen Innes.

Ricketts said the most pleasing aspect of the win was the defence.

“The performance was incredible,” she said.

“They just owned the game; they played beautifully and just ran their lines really well.”

She said she had seen the continued improvement from Dwayne Smith since the beginning of the year.

“He just really believes in himself now,” she said.

The under 12s will now have the week off before clashing with either Armidale or Glen Innes in the grand final.