Agnes Water hosted its first NDRL rugby league semi-final since joining the competition three seasons ago and took on Miriam Vale in the first game of the day.
Fielding an 18-man squad for the first time since early in the season the Marlins were off to a great start and led 16-14 in the first half.
Experience and match fitness proved the difference between the two sides with Miriam Vale winning in a close encounter 34-26.
After the last two rounds Agnes Water displayed some quality football that has been missing due to lack of numbers.
Player-coach Andrew Noy scored a double for the Marlins and it was good to see them finish on a better note for season 2014.
Miriam Vale was missing Dan Leeeand Aaron Causton but still had plenty of depth with Steven Plunkett, Glenn Cox and Mark Hines. The Magpies host the 2014 NDRL grand final and will play in the earlier game.
In the knock out semi-final, Gin Gin were low on numbers due to so many injuries out of the first final against Avondale last weekend and couldn’t match the powerful side of South Kolan. The Sharks won the match convincingly but it was the Hawks enjoyment in the second half when the game was out of reach that shone as they played together like a group of mates often laughing showing the mateship of the side.
South Kolan five-eighth Sekope Tua scored five tries and one goal in his side’s 72 points and centre Ilaisi Pongi scored a hat-trick against the Hawks.
This Sunday is the 2014 Wide Bay Australia Grand Final being held at Miriam Vale’s Gary Larsen Oval.
Gates open from 11am with Miriam Vale playing Gin Gin at 12.30pm and the Grand Final between Avondale Tigers and South Kolan Sharks kicking off at 2.15pm. Avondale will be looking to win back to back premierships in NDRL.
Good luck to teams on the day and thanks to all NDRL Sponsors and Supporters for this season.
