FINALS for the Brisbane and District Women’s competition are underway. This past weekend (August 30) saw the top 4 of each Division battle it out in Major and Elimination Semi Finals.
In Division 1, the major semi-final saw Souths Logan defeat Beerwah to progress straight through to the grand final.
The first half of this top of the table clash saw Souths Logan dominate the game, crossing the line four times and with some superb kicking by Souths five eighth Ali Brigginshaw; the scoreline stretched out to 22 -0.
With nine minutes to go in the first half, Beerwah were able to find some saving grace before hitting the sheds, with a Beerwah trademarked backline movement, the halftime score was 22-4 to Souths as the whistle blew.
At half time, many would of thought the game would come to a white wash; as it would be a hard feat for Beerwah to come back from behind against a talented Jillaroo-filled Souths Logan side.
As the second half kicked off, there was a sense of urgency and determination on the faces of the Beerwah players, this second half of the game definitely did not disappoint.
Six minutes into the second half a 40/20 kick by Beerwah half back, Courtney Lockwood, changed the game entirely. As Beerwah gained a roll on, a scoot out of dummy half by Beerwah hooker Sarah Walker, saw her bust the line and cross over for the first try of the second half, with 30 minutes left on the clock, the score sat at 22-8 to Souths.
For the next 10 minutes, nothing seemed to be going Souths way, with Beerwah gaining most of the possession of the ball, but with great defence by Souths and when a team is led by Australian great, Karyn Murphy, gaining control again is a guarantee.
Souths found the try line another two times, and went to a 30-8 lead 15 minutes until fulltime.
Credit to Beerwah; not once did they give up, and this attitude helped them finish off the game with another two tries, putting the fulltime score to a respectable, 30 – 18 to Souths. If these 2 teams meet in the grand final, it is set to be a blockbuster.
The Division 1 elimination final with Burleigh versing North Ipswich; was intense and as close as it gets. They went try for try in the 70 minutes of game time, and with 18 minutes till full time the score was 28-28. As the clock ticked down, both teams defended hard, both wanting the win as much as the other. As the full time whistle blew, the score remained at 28-28 so this game came down to extra time, in a golden point playoff.
As teams awaited the time to start again, there was excitement and a lot of nerves, the loser of this game would not progress to the preliminary final.
Time started with a kick off from North Ipswich, Burleigh were on the attack, using their strong forwards down the middle. Burleigh gained great metres and with one minute into the extra time, Burleigh hooker Paige Rodgers got the ball out wide and crossed they crossed try line in a huge moment to win the game; progressing to the preliminary finals defeating North Ipswich, 32-28.
In Division 2, the elimination final saw Waterford defeat West Inala in a strong 60- 10 win.
The major semi- final saw yet another close game, with Toowoomba progressing straight to the grand final, defeating Burpengary, 30-28.
The preliminary finals will kick off tomorrow, Saturday, August 6, at Beerwah Sportsground. The Division 1 preliminary will see Beerwah take on Burleigh, in what will be a hard fought game.
The Division 2 preliminary will see Burpengary take on Waterford, in what will also be an intense clash.
Both Souths Logan and Toowoomba, sit safe for now and will await whoever wins the preliminary’s to battle for the Premiership at Burleigh on the 13 September.
All the best to all teams competing this weekend!
Brisbane and District Women’s Rugby League Grand Finals update:
THE Brisbane and District Women’s Rugby League grand finals for both Division 1 and Division 2 will both be played Pizzey Park on Saturday, September 13.
The matches will be part of a full day for rugby league which will also include the major semi-final of the FOGS Colts competition featuring the minor premiership-winning Burleigh Bears.
The Division 2 Grand Final will be played at 11.15am and the Division 1 Grand Final will be played at 1pm.
The FOGS Colts Challenge major semi will follow at 3pm.
Brisbane Second Division / Brisbane and District Women’s Rugby League Awards:
THE finalists in the BDWRL XXXX Player of the Year have now been determined. The finalists are:
Division 1:
Stephanie Hancock (Souths Logan) and Casey Karkalis (Souths Logan)
Division 2:
Kirianna Nukunuku (Waterford) and Ngamoko Hiku (Capalaba)
Each of the finalists will receive a complimentary double ticket for the night.
Clubs may purchase more tickets - see the event flyer HERE and the ticket order form HERE.
