Jamie Parsons
The Barellan Rams have qualified for the Grand Final in both women’s and men’s Proten Cup competitions. It is the third consecutive decider for the women’s team while it’s the first Proten Cup Grand Final for the men and their first appearance in a decider since 2004. The Rams men’s team won their last premiership in 2003 defeating Rankins Springs.
Women’s Games
In the Minor Semi-final, the Hillston Bluebirds started strongly, with a try to Leah Rudman to take a 4-0 lead at half-time. Rankins Springs hit back after controlling possession with Georgia West scoring in the corner. That set up an exciting final five minutes with the game looking destined for golden point. However, a Hillston error saw Talesha Garbuio score the match-winning try for the Dragonettes with only thirty seconds remaining.
The Major Semi-final saw Ivanhoe and Barellan trade tries early before the Rams took control. Three tries to Madison Morris put the game beyond doubt, with a 24-6 win sending them to a third straight Grand Final.
Men’s Games
Rankins Springs were hoping to reverse last week’s result against Narrandera, with the Lizards staying in the finals despite losing two points due to an unqualified player in Round 7. The Dragons were fiery in the opening ten minutes, but two dummy-half tries to Kane Simpson had Narrandera in the lead. They continued the roll-on with two more tries before half-time, with the Dragons only points coming through a penalty goal to make the score 22-2 at half-time.
The Lizards maintained their momentum in the second half with two more tries before Jack Glyde got a consolation for the Dragons at the death.
Barellan started better in their first Major Semi-final with Luke Farmer going over, but Patty Miller levelled things up for Ivanhoe soon after. A penalty goal had the Rams in front 8-6 at half-time. The Roosters dominated the early part of the second half with an intercept try to Shaun Aylett and another soon after to Ethan Harris. A try to Rodney Gibbs soon after had the Rams back in, and captain Noah Forbutt put them ahead with three minutes to play after a 30-metre run from dummy-half to score. A last-minute penalty saw the Roosters decline a kick at goal and run the ball for one last throw of the dice, but Barellan held them out to qualify for their first Proten Cup decider.
Women’s Minor Semi-final
Rankins Springs 10 (Georgia West, Talesha Garbuio tries; Terri-Ann Martin goal) Hillston 4 (Leah Rudman try)
Women’s Major Semi-final
Barellan 24 (Madison Morris 3, Sophie Taylor tries; Monique Higgins 4 goals) Ivanhoe 6 (Amber Evans try; Shailyn Williams goal)
Men’s Minor Semi-final
Narrandera 34 (Kane Simpson 2, Malek Afuamua, Shayne Naden, Caleb Atkinson, Thomas Lyons tries; Jakeem Morgan 5 goals) Rankins Springs 6 (Jack Glyde try; Damian Walker goal)
Men’s Major Semi-final
Barellan 18 (Luke Farmer, Rodney Gibbs, Noah Forbutt tries; Noah Forbutt 3 goals) Ivanhoe 16 (Ethan Harris, Patty Miller, Shaun Aylett tries; Patty Miller 2 goals)
