Junior Boars coach Ronnie Collier said it boosted the enthusiasm of the two opposing sides.

“The UC Vikings were full of Brumbies’ players having a training weekend at Hanging Rock,” Collier said.

The young Boars secured top spot on the ladder with a hard fought win against Jindabyne the previous week.

Going into the match against St Edmunds, the Boars knew they would play without four of their “big forwards”.

“Eddies have the biggest forward pack in our division and it was never going to be an easy game,” Collier said.

With positional changes to the front row, Malaki Steadman moved into hooker, Ben McGann played loose-head and Dallas Cullen played tight-head. 

Madi Bayers-Morton joined Henry Wilks and Lachlan Collier to complete the pack.

St Edmunds built momentum early with their forwards taking control of the early proceedings.

The Bay held St Edmunds out until a loose ball was picked up their centre who darted across to score and give St Edmunds a 7-nil lead.

The Boars did not drop their heads and after positive talk they were ready to rip in.

The Boars’ scrum went well and when they were in good position Bonnie Brewer set the backline into motion with Josiah Brierley, Reilly Smith and Dillon Collier exhausting their opponents. 

It was only a matter of time before they completed a backline manoeuvre to send Patrick Hogan on a 15-metre run for his first try in the corner. 

The Bay trailed 7-5 but controlled possession after kick-off.

Control swung the Boars’ forwards way and Bonnie capitalised with a try before half-time to give the Bay a 10-7 lead. 

The Vikings dipped in at half-time and handed out the oranges which “made the juniors feel very special”.

The second half started with the Boars moving the ball around to keep their opponents on the move. 

The quick Kyle Young helped out in the forwards in attack and defence. 

“Our attack was great again this week, but again it was made easy because of Madi, Ben, Dallas, Malaki, Wilksie and Nugget’s defence,” Collier said.

“They held their bigger opponents scoreless in the second half.”

This week’s super-sub Jack Todd-Tobin came into the backline and then Josiah scored out wide for a 15-7 lead. 

A try late in the game to Reilly was converted by Josiah to give the Boars the victory.

The Junior Boars play Wests for a spot in the grand final on Saturday and will welcome back Henry Rice, George Matthews, Jordan Wattam and Ben Fish for the finals. 

“The club would like to congratulate Ben Fish on his silver medal at the NSW Archery titles,” Collier said.