Central Coast flyhalf Adam Danckert kicked two clutch penalty goals in the final minutes to help his side beat Illawarra 46-43 in a high-scoring and thrilling grand final of the NSW Country Championships to claim the Caldwell Cup. 

Danckert, who played with 100th match for Terrigal Trogans late last year, showed nerves of steel to seal the victory, after his side trailed 31-12 earlier in the second half in the final match of the championships played in Tamworth. 

Illawarra, captained by former Norths backrower George Miller, trailed 12-3 after 20 minutes but scored three quick tries to take a 24-12 lead to the halftime break. 

After a fourth straight try early in the second half, Illawarra led 31-12 and looked to be cruising to victory at Scully Park, before momentum swung behind Central Coast. 

Flanker Rob Peden and replacement forward Matt Martin both scored doubles as Central Coast ran in four straight five pointers to lead 40-36 with 10 minutes remaining. 

But the dramas wasn’t anywhere near over yet. 

Veteran centre Eli Sinoti, who played with the NSW Country Eagles in the National Rugby Championship back in 2015, crossed for Illawarra in the 75th minute to give his side a one point lead. 

Ryan Schoupp, cousin of Brumby and Wallaby Blake Schoupp, slotted the conversion from near the sideline gifting his side a three point lead with just minutes remaining. 

Central Coast didn’t panic though and quickly moved play down past the halfway line. After a penalty for a high tackle, Danckert slotted his first clutch penalty goal to level the scores from 42 metres out. 

From the restart, he kicked downfield and Central Coast caused a turnover. A few phases later, another high tackle penalty was awarded and once again, Danckert slotted the three pointer to give Central Coast a three point lead. 

Somehow, there was still time for a restart and Illawarra looked to have regained possession inside Central Coast’s half. 

But the referee called a knock on and ended the match, with Central Coast walking away with the Caldwell Cup and a chilling 46-43 victory in Tamworth.

Earlier in the day, Central West scored four tries to beat Hunter in the final of the Thomson Cup to leave Tamworth as the best women’s country rugby side in the state. 

Flyhalf Tiana Anderson, scrumhalf Kiara Sullivan, outside back Abbey Corby and centre Maely McGregor all scored in the final. 

Central Coast also claimed the Colts Country Championship, winning four from four matches in a round robin tournament in Tamworth.