A-Grade Boars have had their hopes for a grand final dashed, after the team went down to Glen Innes Magpies on the weekend.
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Coach Scott Girard said motivation in the squad had tapered off toward the end of the season, in an otherwise impressive year.
“Thursday was supposed to be a big training night, but only about eight players showed up.
“We only lost one match in the first round of season, and it looked like we would make it to the grand final: I would get goosebumps going into a game.”
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The team faced the Magpies at their opposition’s home ground amid a cold and wintry Sunday.
“We went in strong at the start, but Glen Innes was just too good for us. To their credit, the Magpies delivered a great performance,” Girard said.
The coach admitted he still had hope that the team would turn things around, when the half-time scoreboard read 12-2.
I’m not worried about letting myself down, but the players and the club's sponsors.
- Scott Girard
Though a try from the Boars about midway through the second half simply was not enough, with the end score settled at 32-6.
While Girard said he had every intention to step back into the coaching shoes next year, that decision depended on a few other things.
“I will definitely talk to the committee and make sure things like this don’t happen again,” he said on the motivation of the players.
“I’m not worried about just letting myself down, but also the players and the club’s sponsors.”
Despite the upset, Girard said the team could be proud with the overall season. A-Grade Boars went undefeated for the most part of round one, and the team shared in the club’s 100 year anniversary celebration in July.
Under 18 Boars will also miss out on their chance to compete in the grand final, after the team lost 28-14 to the Magpies.