ONE UP ONE DOWN IN RUGBY LEAGUE GRAND FINALS

Contributed with thanks by Brian Carnes

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The Burdekin Roosters had a mixed weekend in Grand Finals, with the Under 15s winning their Grand Final on Saturday over Herbert River by 22 to 16.

Coached by Mark Watson, the team scored four tries through Colten Lynne, Mason Pavone, Riley Piva and Kashydn Nash, with Perry Munro kicking three from four.

The River actually score four tries, but their kicker was off-line, missing all four conversions.

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For the River, Johmanly Bann scored three tries.

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The Little Roosters finished fourth on the ladder behind Herbert River, Charters Towers and Brothers Blue.

The Roosters Under 19 team on Sunday gave their supporters plenty of hope when they went out to score two early tries and lead 12-nil.

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Before the break, though, Brothers started to use their much bigger pack to advantage, scoring three tries to have the scores level at half-time, 14-all.

The second half was level pegging, with Brothers using their giant forwards to advantage.

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The young Burdekin boys tried to match the Brethren up the middle.

This did not work, with the home team scoring a converted try to lead 20-14.

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The Roosters went close to scoring on a couple of occasions, but last-minute panic passing let them down.

Brothers added another try in the last minute to win by 24-14.

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Jacob Drain, the captain and fullback, was safe in defence and brought the ball back well, while centre Kobe Geia was one of the better players on the ground.

Halfback Chad Fraser had a good one and showed why he was voted RLT D Under 19 Player of the Year.

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In the forwards, Laylan Lampton was well rewarded with a try for his efforts, with hooker Jack Power trying his heart out.

Tyce Cursio was another who gave his all, as did Mason Kiehne.

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For the Roosters, Leylan Lampton and Kobe Geia scored tries, with Kobe kicking three goals.

Coach Alf Cantarella said it was a tough game.

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“Even though the whole team gave it their all and did the Burdekin Roosters proud, the two players who stood out for me were Tyce Cursio and Kobe Geia.”

Souths scored their third A Grade Grand Final win in a row when they fought back from 16-nil down to beat Centrals 23 to 16.

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Centrals were first into the Grand Final, beating Souths in the major semi, with the Redmen having to beat Western Lions last week to be at the big dance.

The match was tough from the outset, with one from each team binned after 24 minutes of the second session.

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Souths scored four tries to three, with half Kyle Laybutt kicking three from four plus a field goal.

Isreal Osae, Jordan Remfrey, Bruce Baudu and Patrick Gallon scored tries for Souths, with Centrals’ tries coming from Brodie Pritchard (2) and Joseph Currie.

Riley Carbone kicked two from four for the Tigers, who are coached by former Burdekin boy Matt Bonanno.

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When Burdekin could not field a ladies team, several players went to other clubs this season.

That paid off for the Monday twins, Stephanie and Martina, who went to Western Lions.

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The Lions beat Centrals in the Final by 26 to 12, with Martina and Stephanie both scoring tries.

Charnelle Aokupu, Kaionto Ross and Theofilia Mosby also scored tries, with Angela Solomon kicking 3/5.

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For Centrals, tries came from Rasharne Prior, Jordi Mahandarah and Mia Pashley, with no goals kicked.

It was a big week for Martina Monday, winning her second Grand Final in seven days, previously taking on the Premier League title in Townsville as a member of the Neptunes netball team.

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Western Lions scored seven tries to four to win by 38 to 20.

Jack Nosworthy scored a try and kicked five from seven for the Lions, helped by Aaron Obrien, Daniel Downer, Silas Bourke and Dylan Newton with tries.

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Jason Mosby had a big one for Souths, scoring three tries and kicking 2 from 4.

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Joel Tiaaga also scored.

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