Young came out strongly early in the first half, dominating play, possession and territory, finally rewarded with a great try to Sam Hunter 15 minutes in.

Temora gained more possession then, kicking for better field possession, leaving Young fighting out of their half, under constant pressure.

Mistakes crept into Young’s game and Temora managed to convert pressure into points, running away to a 16 to 4 lead going into the break.

The second half became a raging battle for territory as Young tried their hearts out but Temora’s defence remained impenetrable.

As the clock ran down, desperation crept into Young’s game, with little mistakes relieving the almost constant pressure on Temora’s line.

Young finally got the break with 15 minutes remaining as Adam Shoard went over for a try, converted by Blake Hewitt to take the score to 16-10.

The Pickers were still in the race, putting in a strong, professional performance with the majority of possession.

At one stage Young had three consecutive sets of six inside Temora’s quarter, held out again and again by crushing defence.

Temora managed to kick their way out of trouble in the closing minutes earning a penalty kick, converted to points to secure the game at 18-10, finally out of reach for Young.

Pickers coach Nick Hall said that he was very proud of the way the team fought throughout the entire 80 minutes.

“”The boys really kept at it all game, never giving up, after Temora got away to a huge lead in the first half,” Hall said.

“Temora just tackled their way to the win in the end and some small mistakes as we got desperate gave them the breathers they needed, just when we looked dangerous.

“It is a disappointing way to end the season, but the boys have been great and will take a lot away from the experience,” Hall said.

“The team can be very proud of how they worked and what they achieved throughout the season.”