A great local crowd of approximately 1200 people attended the Border Rugby League Finals on Saturday, September 5 at Sullivan Oval, Stanthorpe.
The day started well for the Stanthorpe Gremlins with a solid win in the Reserve Grade Grand Final defeating the Tenterfield Tigers, 38-24. A strong effort by the Reserve Grade team who dominated for most of the game. A great effort by both clubs this year, considering a number of players were 17 or 18 years of age. The future looks good for both clubs with some great young talent coming through their ranks.
The Ladies LeagueTag Grand Final between the Tenterfield Tigerettes and the Stanthorpe Gremlinettes was an enthralling encounter with the winner only decided in the dying minutes. Tenterfield lead at half time 10-6 after a very even first half. The second half saw both sides going end to end until Stanthorpe crossed with approximately 10 minutes remaining, to take the score to 12-10.
The young Tenterfield side have been undefeated for the last two seasons and came charging back with a long distance try with only two minutes on the clock, denying the Stanthorpe Ladies their first win against Tenterfield. The final score 16-12.
The final game of the day saw close town rivals the Stanthorpe Gremlins up against a rejuvenated Wallangarra Rams team. Like most rugby league grand finals the first twenty minutes saw a ‘softening up period’ where defence was a priority for both sides.
Eventually Wallangarra Rams were the first to crack the Gremlins defence with a try to interchange forward, Shane Hooper, next to the posts. Unfortunately for the Rams, that was the last time they bothered the scorers in the first half, as the Stanthorpe Gremlins took control of the first half going into the break leading 22-6, after some great defence and attack.
The parochial crowd from the small town of Wallangarra tried their best to encourage their team back into the contest in the second half. However the Stanthorpe Gremlins team continued to play disciplined football to come out convincing winners 35-10 at the conclusion of a great day of rugby league.
Brendan Perkins, the tough front rower from the Stanthorpe Gremlins was named the BRL Man of the Match. He was ably supported by representative half back Jason Wilmot, veteran five-eighth Geoff Swan and lock forward Ben Staley. Marc McGrady, Shane Hooper and Will Dowie were the best for the Wallangarra Rams.
