While earning the New Holland Cup reserve grade premiership title on grand final day would've been the ultimate finish to the 2021 Central West Rugby Union (CWRU) season, the Mudgee Wombats men said to be the victors is an accolade they will forever cherish.
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"We had a really good season and deserve it so we'll take it," Mudgee Wombats second grade coaching coordinator, John Carters said.
"It would've been good to get out there on the field and decide it that way but the boys are still very proud of what they've done this year and they should be."
The decision to abandon remaining competitions and award the premierships to respective minor premiers or major semi-final victors followed weeks of consultation with each CWRU club.
The outcome was sparked by the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown, and Carters said he agreed with the decision that put the safety of regional communities first.
"It's one of those situations where what's going on in our community is a lot bigger than rugby or sport at the moment, they're things that bring the community together," he said.
"It would've been fantastic to be out there but the decision has been made for what's best for the community....it is what it is."
Carters said some of the club's reserve grade players are using the outcome as fuel to launch themselves into next season.
"Some of the messages that were coming through from the players are that they're looking forward to the opportunity again next year," he said.
"It will instill a bit of drive for them to pick up where they left off this year and continue on and hopefully get an opportunity in 2022 to do it the right way."
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