Waratahs will have a shot at defending their title after being the first team through to the first-grade grand final after 20-12 win over West Wyalong at Exies Oval on Sunday.
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It was a tough slog for both sides with the Waratahs going close to opening the scoring before the play was called back for a forward pass and then West Wyalong was denied an opportunity to take the lead due to an offside.
It took until the 29th minute of the first half for the deadlock to be broken with Nui George getting over the give the Waratahs the lead, but it was short-lived with the Mallee Men snatching the lead seven minutes remaining in the first half thanks to a try to Tim Dore and successful conversion from Braiden Jones.
The Waratahs did take the lead into the break with Tom Sellars spotting a hole and diving over for the home side to take an 8-6 lead into the break.
Both sides then blew chances to score with Justin Kerry dropping the ball cold just short of the line while the Waratahs had another one called back due to a forward pass.
It was the Waratahs who were able to add to their lead with Johnathon Sila getting over in the corner before an injury concern hit the side. Coach Kose Lelei went down with a knee injury, but his team was able to increase their lead after the stoppage with Peneiona Tamnisave giving the Waratahs a 20-6 lead.
With under 10 minutes remaining the Mallee Men gave themselves a chance after a try to Lou Goodwin, but that was as close as they got with the Waratahs taking out an eight-point win and the first spot in the decider.
Lelei was elated that his side had made it's way to the decider for a third straight season.
"It was a big effort from the boys because we had a few changes just before kick-off but full credit to them they were ready when they got their shot," he said.
"It was important to get that week off. We still have a few boys missed this week, so it gives them another week."
The coach also praised the work of his forwards in the middle and their ability to control the impact of Lou and Jake Goodwin. The Mallee Men will get a second chance when they take on DPC at Ron Crowe Oval.
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