On Sunday the team became the first regional side to make the grand final of the Sydney Junior Club Rugby competition.

Bowral did this in emphatic style beating the Epping Rams 35-5.

The Blacks ran in four tries and landed three penalty conversions in what was a controlled and skilful display by the team.

The game started well with the Randwick, Forestville and Warringah players and supporters forming a tunnel for the Blacks to run on.

Bowral elected to play with the wind at their backs which flyhallf Baden Stewart used effectively to enjoy territorial advantage by kicking for the corners.

The Blacks took full advantage of the field position and moved the ball wide where Matt Vianne, Sam Clarke and Lachlan Young made some good metres.

Vianne soon crossed the try line. 

Soon after the restart Young was able to break through and score.

Darcy Cotton had his kicking boots on and landed a couple of penalties in the first half as well as a conversion.

Cotton also made some excellent runs and defended well at fullback.

The forwards performed well with the tight five being dominant in the scrums.

This laid an excellent platform for the backs to launch effective raids.

In the ensuing phase play and rucks the forward trio of Ruben Vermaak, Harry Vaughan and Lachlan Frean were able to gain ascendance over their opposites which was a key focus going into the game as the Epping Bulls had NSW representatives in these positions.

Ball runners Tye Deku, Josh Dick, Max Hani and Josh Lewocki added to the attack with some excellent raids which lead to more opportunities out wide which Morgan Allen and Max Carfi were able to exploit with a further two tries.

The attack was well balanced with an effective defensive effort.

Max Beddow lead the defence and was able to show physical dominance which stopped the opposition’s momentum.

He was supported by Cheyenne Peterson, John Garoche, Llew Davies, Lachy Watkin and Marcello Vaehoea.

The Blacks success has attracted talented players from Goulburn, Campbelltown and the South Coast where players who are keen to develop to their full potential have recognised the opportunity that playing in the strong Sydney competition presents. 

Bowral players appreciated the congratulations from Sydney players and supporters. The Blacks will face Manly in the grand final on September 4 at Concord Oval with kick off at 1.30pm.

-Paul Frean