Jamie Parsons
It was a case of double celebrations for the Barellan Rams on Saturday with both the men’s and women’s teams claiming premierships in the ProTen Cup.
The men’s team overcame Ivanhoe Roosters 22-20 in Hillston on Saturday to claim their first title since since 2003 in the old Group 17, while the women’s team claimed a third straight premiership after defeating the Ivanhoe Hens 26-2.
Heading into the women’s Grand Final, Barellan had beaten Ivanhoe in the past two deciders but the Hens started the game with confidence after kicking an early penalty goal for a 2-0 lead.
They launched repeated attacks at the Rams line but were unable to convert them into points before Barellan hit back with a try off a grubber kick from Amie Fazekas. Sophie Taylor grabbed another try before half-time to put the Rams back in control again.
It was all one-way traffic in the second half with Sophia Kelsey scoring a hat-trick to ensure the Rams would retain the Proten Cup for another year. Kelsey was named Player of the Match.
In the men’s Grand Final, Barellan’ dominated the early exchanges with Ivanhoe. Luke Farmer went over from close range with a show-and-go, second-rower Gary Braddick ran through a gap to score the Rams second try, while Barellan co-coach Adam Thomas scored out wide for the Rams to take a 16-0 lead at half-time.
Barellan went further in front when play resumed after Farmer found co-coach Noah Forbutt to put the Rams in control at 22-0.
Ivanhoe finally got one back with a try in the corner to Jake Whyman midway through the second half, and then again to five-eighth Jermaine Dixon to have them back in striking distance.
A flurry of penalties provided the Roosters with ample opportunities and they finally capitalised from a tap restart when Shaun Aylett forced his way over to have the score at 22-14 with eight minutes remaining.
Aylett repeated the very same play to barge his way over from another penalty tap and the Roosters had reduced the deficit to 22-20.
Within the last minute of play Ivanhoe had three penalties in Barellan’s half but elected to tap the ball each time. A last ditch grubber kick almost paid off but they were unable to ground the ball and Barellan came away victors 22-20 in a thrilling game very worthy of a Grand Final with Rams centre Mesu Navakayala was named Player of the Match.
Click here for all results from the ProTen Cup Grand Final.
