A year in the planning is coming to fruition for the Cootamundra Tri Colours but the task is not yet complete.
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In the major semi final at Fisher Park on Saturday the Tri Colours overcome the 2018 SouthWest Oilsplus rugby premiers Harden Red Devils to win the right to host the 2019 grand final of the competition.
The decider will kick off at Fisher Park in Cootamundra on Saturday, August 10.
As has been the case already this season the Red Devils made the Tri Colours work hard for the victory before the home side ran out winners 41 to 19.
Pat Cameron crossed twice for the Tri Colours with Gus Forster, Issac Mitchell, Aaron Byrne and Matt Berkrey also scoring.
Berkrey converted four tries and was successful with one penalty shot.
The Tri Colours recovered from a slow start with the Red Devils taking an early lead before the home side then fought their way back into the game.
Coach Mark Elia wasn't surprised by the toughness of the match and warned his side they have to improve on their slow starts.
"It was the third time we have played them," Elia said.
"They are last year's champions, they've got a bit of experience, we knew it was going to be tough.
"The last time we played them we just beat them by seven points, it was a good evenly fought match.
"They got a good start and scored very quickly. Last time we played them they did the same.
"We were able to regather and score a try and then have a bit of a run," he said.
"The expected physical contest certainly didn't disappoint as both teams belted each other for 80 minutes," the Red Devils said via social media after the match.
"Coota held onto a strong lead and took their chances with a deserved win in the end.
"The devils certainly had their own chances on several occasions and will have to convert these opportunities moving into next week."
While Cootamundra now progress to the grand final Harden have one more chance to earn the right to defend last season's title.
The Red Devils host Condobolin this Saturday, August 3 in Harden at Roberts Park.
Condobolin defeated the Boorowa Goldies in a very close 12-8 match last weekend.
