ROOSTERS STORM INTO UNDER 19 GRAND FINAL — HEARTBREAK IN A GRADE

The Burdekin Roosters have moved to the under 19 grand final in the RLTD after a heart-stopping 28-24 win over Brothers in the major semi-final at Brothers last Sunday.

‍

Coach Alf Cantarella said we were lucky to have our full-strength side back after missing five of our run-on players in the game before.

The game was nearly try for try.

‍

Hooker Jack Power was outstanding with his usual game, and he set the pace of the game.

Our forwards were outsized but dug in and did the job that was needed to get the win.

‍

The man of the match went to centre Kirk Viero with his outstanding attack and defence, scoring three tries and saving many more.

I couldn't be prouder of the boys, as they won because they had heart.

‍

Now we will get ready for the Grand Final on Sunday, September 13, at the Sports Reserve.

For the Roosters, Kirk Viero scored three tries, with one each to Jack Power and Logan Guglielmania. Chad Fraser kicked three goals, with one by Kobe Geia.

‍

Next week, minor premiers Brothers will meet Centrals for the right to play the Roosters in the grand final.

Centrals came from behind to beat Norths in the other semi-final by 32 to 24.

‍

The two A grade semi-finals brought close matches, with the Roosters going down to Western Lions 28-26 and Souths, premiers for the past two years, losing to Centrals 30-28.

‍

Goal kicking cost the Roosters dearly after they scored six tries to five but converted only one, compared to three by the opposition.

Coach Steve Lansley said the Roosters suffered a heartbreaking loss to Western Lions in a thrilling contest that could have gone either way.

‍

Despite the result, the Roosters can hold their heads high after scoring six tries to five and producing a huge effort to come storming home over the top of the Lions.

A slow start ultimately proved costly, with Burdekin forced to chase the game from the opening stages.

‍

The Roosters showed plenty of character and belief late in the match, fighting their way back into contention and giving themselves every opportunity to snatch victory.

Unfortunately, the clock ran out before they could complete the comeback.

‍

While the loss will hurt, there is plenty to be proud of.

After losing their opening games of the season, Burdekin have turned their season around and shown tremendous resilience to put themselves into the fight.

‍

The Roosters can look back on a season full of improvement, belief and plenty of memorable performances.

Lock Nick Brown was named players' player for once again putting in a 100 per cent performance.

‍

Nick was closely followed by fellow forward Nemia Nawave, with Jones Munro outstanding in the backs.

Dylan Doak scored two tries, with one each by Jye Olsen, Jones Munro, Jake O'Brien and Kaddy Zaro. Jake kicked a goal.

‍

2024 and 2025 premiers Souths will have to overcome Western Lions this Sunday for the right to defend their title in the Grand Final after going down to a fast-finishing Centrals 30-28 in the other A grade final.

‍

In reserve grade, Souths move to the grand final after defeating Lions 26-12, while Lions will meet Norths this week in the minor final after the Northern Beaches team beat Brothers 26-nil in the other final.

‍

Burdekin local Stephanie Monday scored a try in the women's major semi as Western Lions beat Centrals 18-14 to move through.

The Tigers girls will now play Brothers this Sunday to see who goes to the Grand Final after the Brethren beat Souths 30-10.

‍

Contributed by Brian Carnes

‍