Sydney Shield Wrap
The underdog Hills District Bulls take on the minor premiers Wentworthville Magpies in an epic Sydney Shield Grand Final next Sunday, 27 September at Pirtek Stadium.
The fifth-placed Bulls endured three weeks of sudden death football to earn their first Sydney Shield Grand Final after defeating a gallant Peninsula Seagulls outfit 26-12 in wet conditions at Leichhardt Oval.
Aaron Weston was outstanding for the Bulls and will look to continue his sensation try-scoring form. Scoring four tries last weekend, Weston added a thrilling double to his finals tally, with the big winger going the full distance swerving his way around several would-be defenders.
James Boustani, the crafty number seven for the Bulls was in everything all match. He had a great kicking game and led the team in the right direction.
Boustani has tasted what it is like to be in the Grand Final as he prepares to take on his former side, the Wentworthville Magpies.
“It’s a very good feeling especially for Hills,” Boustani said. “I’ve been in a couple (of grand finals) for Wentworthville but to come to the Bulls in my first year and make the Grand Final is an outstanding feeling.
“They are both great clubs, they are both great family clubs and I am privileged to be there playing next week.
“We are going to go out there and have some fun. Wenty have been favourites all year and hopefully we can provide a good game for everybody.”
In an edge-of-your-seat finish, the Seagulls cut the deficit to only two points but it was Jordan Tungahai who sealed the match for the Bulls with a captivating try in the last minute much to the elation of the club and their passionate fans.
Wentworthville Magpies cruised their way into the Sydney Shield Grand Final by clinically demolishing the Windsor Wolves 68-6 and crushing their dreams of making it to the big day. Magpie centre Dwayne Brown scored four outstanding tries, three of which were long range.
The Magpies are aiming for their second title in four years.
Magpies coach Alex Chan said, “I’m very happy for the boys. They have worked hard, and the coaching staff have done a great job all year.”
He added that the boys will be looking forward to their training and guaranteed his side will be “Grand Final ready.”
“It comes down to our training sessions, the way we play as a group and how we take each game week by week.”
Red-hot favourites, Wentworthville dominated the regular season finishing eight points clear of the top four. The Magpies will be going into the Grand Final with plenty of confidence, looking to finish their order of business coming off such a big win.
It’s set to be a riveting finish to the Sydney Shield.
The NSWRL Grand Final day, held at Pirtek Stadium on Sunday, September 27, is the biggest day on the VB NSW Cup, Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield calendars and the only live rugby league in Sydney that weekend – and adult tickets are just $10, with kids under 12 free! With face painting, live music and a carnival-like atmosphere, it’s the perfect day out for young and old.Get your tickets here.
