The Waratahs Tigers left no one in doubt at Exies Oval on Saturday.
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Last year's grand finalists came together with plenty to play for; Yenda looking to prove they're a contender and Waratahs looking to cement their place on the ladder.
It was clear at the end of 80 minutes that Waratahs would be one of the teams to beat, winning 48-8 with Yenda having a long road to the finals.
The first 20 minutes belonged to the Waratahs as they built a 14 point lead thanks to Niu George, Aistan Fidow and Tom Sellars.
Floyd Faavesi got across the line to give Yenda their first points. Waratahs responded by putting Jonathon Sila across.
Yenda's Jacob Busnello scored a try and the teams went into the break 20-8.
In the second half the traffic was all one way with Waratahs working to complete their sets to score 28 points.
Two no try decisions cost Yenda any chance in getting back into the game.
With just seven minutes left a pass from Sellars found Ben Vearing who made 20 metres before passing to Jacob Little.
Little scored a try despite a leg cramp slowing his run across the line.
Waratahs coach Kose Lelei said the game plan was to start off strong.
"I think after the three tries we sort of relaxed and a few errors came into our game, the momentum swung and we had to defend," he said.
Lelei said the team's discipline was good, which was something the team had been working on to avoid giving away easy sets.
He praised the team's defensive effort during the second half and said everyone turned up for each other.
"Especially our middle, they defended really well, for them to defend a few sets, that's when our backs have to pick up."
Going into the match Lelei said the re-match of last year's finalists was a factor, as was the Waratahs current unbeaten record this season.
"It was always at the back of our minds, especially the grand final re-match, it's always a different game, especially when we play each other," Lelei said.
"But I knew the boys would turn up and get the job done."
After the match, Lelei was selected as the Waratahs Old Boys' Len Bertoldo Best and Fairest trophy.
"He's a leader, he's tough and he setup the plays," Old Boys member Garb Saunders said.
Saunders said like Bertoldo, Lelei led by example.
Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
