The Temora Rugby Union Club men’s team (Tuskers) have surrendered the Fenton Mitton Shield after going down 40-24 against the Grenfell Panthers in a thrilling South West Fuels Cup clash at RB Bembrick Field on Saturday. In one of the competition’s most entertaining matches of the season, the two sides combined to score 10 tries in an open, free-flowing contest. The match was just the second meeting for the Fenton Mitton Shield, named in honour of two young men, George Mitton and Hugo Fenton, who tragically passed away in 2024. Temora won the inaugural contest last year, but Grenfell earned the honours this time in a match played in excellent spirit before a large crowd. The Panthers entered the match determined to make a statement and exploded out of the blocks, crossing for three unanswered tries before the Tuskers had a chance to settle. Despite sitting second-last on the competition ladder, Grenfell unveiled several impressive recruits who lifted the team to a level that belied its ladder position. The Tuskers’ joint coach Kris Dunstan said the Shield match has developed into one of the competition’s most anticipated rivalries. He said his side finally found some rhythm late in the opening half when Charles Hogan crashed over in the corner, but the Panthers had already built a commanding advantage and led 24-5 at halftime. The Tuskers responded strongly after the restart. “We came out with renewed purpose after the interval and struck first through elusive winger Dani Kareti, whose try reduced the deficit to 24-12 and gave us renewed hope,” Dunstan said. “Any momentum was short-lived, however, as Grenfell's electric Fijian winger completed his hat-trick to restore the Panthers’ comfortable advantage. “To our credit, we refused to surrender. “Centre Freddy Vosebeci crossed before prop Conlan West powered over for a memorable five-pointer - his first try in more than six seasons of senior rugby - to close the gap to 33-24 and breathe life back into the contest.” With the momentum beginning to swing, the next score was always likely to prove decisive, but unfortunately for the Tuskers, it was Grenfell who delivered the knockout blow, crossing for their sixth try of the game. Dunstan noted some of his side’s standout performers. “Number eight Penji Seritamana was outstanding throughout, Conlan West enjoyed one of his best games of the season, while replacement utility back Cooper Gersbach impressed in just his second senior appearance, confidently handling every challenge presented to him,” he said. The defeat leaves the Tuskers looking to finish the season on a high in their final home game of the season as they return to the Temora Recreation Ground to host the Young Yabbies at 2.45pm.
