The under 18s hadn't won against the Boars this season with a loss and a draw but they stood tall when it counted.

The Magpies downed the Boars 28-14 in the semi-final to book a spot in the preliminary final on August 26.

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Glen Innes coach Gavin Peterson described his young team’s performance as “probably the best game we have played this year.”

“The defence for both grades was excellent,” he said. 

“Moree played really well too, it was probably the best they have played.

“Even though they have beaten us and we had a draw, I think they actually played better yesterday but that is a reflection on how well we played.”

The battle of the forwards was anticipated to be decisive in who would take the triumph. 

“They challenged us in the forward pack and we were meeting them in the first-half,” Peterson said. 

“We challenged our forwards at half-time to go out and stamp their authority and they did in the second-half. 

“They stepped it up in the second-half and dominated the middle of the field.”

In the weeks leading up to the semi-finals, Peterson had highlighted his team’s attack as the area needing the most work. 

After a few errors early in the game, the Magpies found their groove. 

“They were a lot more patient with their attack,” Peterson said. 

“We spoke about not making any errors in their own half and they did that. 

“Unfortunately in the first-half we were making a couple of errors when we did get the opportunity to attack but in the second-half they were a lot more patient and it proved the difference in the end. 

“They weren't trying to force the try or force their hand, they were a bit more patient. 

“I told them the tries would come if they built pressure and that is what happened in the end.”

Glen Innes will face the loser of the major semi-final encounter between the Boomerangs and Tingha next week. 

Peterson said it is an open competition and it is hard to pick who they will be playing. 

“I was talking to the Moree coach yesterday and I said my genuine belief is that any of the top four sides can win the competition,” he said. 

“It is that close, that tight between the top four teams.

“Maybe the home ground advantage for the Boomerangs might get them home but it wouldn't surprise me if Tingha won as well. Flip of a coin really.”