Cutters defeated Wagga Agricultural College six tries to two on Saturday in their final game of regular season rugby union in Wagga.

BY TOM LILBURNE

The victory sets up a crucial finals clash against undefeated Wagga City for either a bye or grand final spot.

Although WAC sat just outside the top four for finals, the young agricultural students were determined to finish their season strongly at home.

Rupert Lilburne, who rested his injured hamstring, coached the boys from the sideline while father Ed Lilburne remains on leave along with assistant coach Matt Ireson.

Cutters dominated the opening, greedily keeping the ball out of the Aggies' hands.

The ball moved down the field well and opening points were scored by forward Hugo Fraser.

Another try was added by winger Sam O'Rafferty.

The Aggies hit back and scored a try out on the wing as they beat the Cutters defence, which enraged coach Rupert.

The half concluded with two more tries from Cutters through Mason Brown and Will Nadin.

Nadin also stepped up to handle conversions with 'golden boot' Harry Agar absent.

At halftime, Cutters led four tries to one.

When both teams returned for the second half, the pattern remained similar to the first. Good football from Cutters was interrupted by unforced errors.

Trivial penalties kept WAC optimistic about staying in the contest.

Will Nadin kept the ball flowing from the forwards into the backs, sending it crashing through the hard-hitting lines of Andrew Garvey and James Harrison.

Nadin was first to score in the second half, carrying the forwards deep into WAC territory and deservingly earning a try. WAC responded with a try of their own, again overlapping the Cutters backs.

The final try came when Andrew Garvey made a long break down the field and was unlucky not to score himself, with Hugo Fraser finishing off the movement.

Going into finals, Cutters will face their rival Wagga City for either a bye and Grand Final spot or a semi-final game against Tumut or the Waratahs.

The team are confident they can turn the tide against the undefeated City team and look to execute the perfect game plan, with the Cutters' best side on the field for finals football.