Narrabri captain-coach Brenton Cochrane has led his side to victory in the inaugural Jack Woolaston Nines, but not without drama.
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Organisers gave Cochrane and fellow Blue Daniel Jobson clearance to play in the final against Dungowan at Jack Woolaston Oval on Saturday night, after they had been marched towards the end of Narrabri's 25-8 semi-final win over Werris Creek.
It appeared that rookie referee Ryan Schmiedel marched Jobson for a high shot on Riley Beresford. Cochrane was definitely sent off for giving Schmiedel a spray, after initially getting 10 in the bin. It is not the first time the mercurial speedster as been sent off in that fashion.
But obviously it matter naught in the end. Both Cochrane and Jobson played in the final before a small crowd, under new lights, and won a spiteful match 17-4. The Blues led 5-0 at halftime.
Blues fullback Damon Gleeson was named man of the match.
Narrabri, who endured a tough 2018, celebrated the win with gusto.
Cochrane said the triumph meant a lot to Narrabri, who, like Dungowan, finished the final a man done due to send-offs.
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"We've been building for the last couple of months [at training]," he said.
"[To] come here and actually put in the hard work that we've been putting in at training is a big reward for us, now just kick-starts the season."
Dungowan beat Kootingal-Moonbi 19-16 in the other semi-final.
