Drama as Palmerston seal Darwin Rugby grand final spot against Casuarina

AN after-the-siren penalty goal from Thomas Taylor sent Palmerston into Darwin Rugby’s first grade grand final after they defeated Casuarina 35-34 at Rugby Park last night

Palmerston player Liam Bilston takes a hit-up for his side in the preliminary final against Casuarina. PICTURE: Helen Orr

AN after-the-siren penalty goal from Thomas Taylor sent Palmerston into Darwin Rugby’s first grade grand final after they defeated Casuarina 35-34 at Rugby Park last night.

In what was a seesawing and controversial affair, Palmerston never let the Cougars feel comfortable, before they stole the lead at the bitter end.

The match began with a Tert Norris try after he crashed over on the left-hand side, while Palmerston quickly responded through two long-range penalty goals to five-eighth Henry Jordan.

The Cougars extended their lead in the 20th minute after second-rower Gareth Norman collected a kick and made a break up field. Cut down just short of the line, in the ensuing phase, Joe Albert crossed over in the corner to take the score to 14-6.

Palmerston hit back less than five minutes later through a try in the right hand corner to captain Michael Killiner.

The Cougars would break the deadlock four minutes before the break when Trent Everson scored underneath the posts, giving the Cougars a 21-14 lead at half time.

The teams traded penalty goals shortly after the resumption of play, but Palmerston would be first to score a try in the second half. Joseph Matiaha was the one who planted the ball down, which took the score to 24-22 in Casuarina’s favour.

After missing a penalty goal attempt from 40m, Zac Phillips stepped up once more for the Cougars, this time from 35m. He hit it sweetly to take his side’s lead to five with a quarter of the match to play.

Palmerston kicked another penalty goal of their own, before they crossed in the left-hand corner through Jackson Pearson.

It seemed as if there had been a knock on in the lead up, but play was called on and the Crocs hit the lead for the first time in the match with nine minutes remaining.

Casuarina hit back quickly, with lock Joel Albert scoring a try wide out, which once again locked the game up. Phillips then slotted the conversion from the sideline to reclaim a two-point lead with just under five minutes to play.

The Crocs were awarded a penalty with one minute remaining, 22m out slightly to the right of the uprights, but Jethro Yates missed.

Remarkably, Palmerston were awarded another penalty after the siren, this time from right in front. Thomas Taylor stepped up and struck it beautifully to send the Crocs into the big dance.