Torrential rain had covered the Puckapuntal pitch with about 50mm of water in the lead-up to the Victoria Rugby Union country division grand final.

The turf was soon cut up to become a quagmire as the Boars and Miners did battle.

Adding to the difficult conditions for players, officials and supporters were intermittent downpours and a strong wind at the Pukapunyal ground.

The Miners had first use of the wind and were soon made aware that the Boars had come to play with spirit and determination.

Throughout the first half, the Boars dominated field position and possession.

The Miners’ ball retention was poor as passes were pushed and catches spilled and lost in contact.

Puckapunyal capitalised on this superiority with a penalty goal in the 30th minute to set up a 3-0 lead at the interval.

The Boars scored a second penalty goal early in the second half.

From this point onwards, the Miners lifted their intensity.

Inspired by some dominant tackles by the Tuitupou brothers, the Miners brought themselves back into the contest.

They finally troubled the scoreboard attendant in the 10th minute of the second half when centre Michael Crichton scored a try in the corner after a crisp passing movement by the backs.

Bendigo continued to press forward, with Jesse Tuitupou, Konrad Fepuleai and Johneen Fagavao making strong runs.

They were rewarded with a penalty goal opportunity in the midway through the half in a handy position, but the kick went wide.

From this point on, play rarely moved out of the area between the quarter lines as the two teams slogged it out in the mud.

Puckapunal won 6-5.

The Tyson’s Reef Hotel player of the day award went to Jesse Tuitupou.

Others to shine included Fepuleai, Nick Dehnert, Elson Tuitupou, Johneen Fagavao and Michael Crichton.

Bendigo Fighting Miners team:

24 N. Poingdestre, 2 E. Tuitupou, 3 J. Tuitupou, 4 N. Dehnert (c), 5 B. Westley, 6 A. Saville, 7 D. Fallaver, 8 K. Fepuleai, 9 S. MacDonald, 10 Jon Solomon, 11 J. Learai, 12 J. Fagavao, 13 M. Crichton, 14 Jeremy Solomon, 15 J. Manderson.

Replacements: T. Henderson, L. Tuitupou, S. McGrail, S. Fagavao, P. Thomas.

Reserves: T. Mulvaney, J. Jeffries, S. Queally

Emergencies: L. Eriksen, N. Whittle, V. Liufau.