KURT Hancock has experienced plenty of highlights in his coaching career, but winning a Country Championships title with the under 16 Western Rams ranks near the top of his list.
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The Bathurst mentor watched on from the sidelines at the Cessnock Sportsground on Saturday as his young Rams beat the East Coast Dolphins 32-22 in extra-time.
That the Rams had forced the additional time with a try in the dying seconds made it a result to relish even more. Hancock admitted he had prepared himself for defeat as the clock ticked down and Western was penalised for a forward pass.
"It was funny, I was still really happy with what they had given. They had given absolutely everything against a very good football side. I couldn't ask for anything more. I knew they would be disappointed and I would have to pick up a few emotional 16-year-olds,” he said.
“But we kept our cool and got into extra-time. I said to them before extra-time that what we needed to do was keep attacking, don't look for a field goal, just keep attacking. They did that and kept believing in their own ability.
"It was great to be a part of. I have been a part of a few special ones in my time - obviously with St Pat's when Garry Reilly kicked a goal at the death against Mudgee [in 2014 Group 10 preliminary final] and going on to win the grand final after that. But that one on Saturday, that's right up there.”
The coach praised both his players and Western officials for their efforts throughout the tournament.
"It was good to see all the hard work, not only by the players, but the Western Division officials, all come together on the day,” he said.
"I got a great deal out of it, it has sort of rejuvenated me as a coach.”
