Last Saturday saw the last semi-finals played with teams aiming to earn grand final spots in next weekend’s Under 11 and Under 12 deciders.
In near perfect conditions, all teams put on a football display worthy of semi-final football.
Semi-final results summary
Under 11
After prevailing in a close affair, Brothers Blue will now advance through to next week’s grand finals. Rocky Tigers gave them a big scare and showed why they have been the big improvers in 2016. Tigers President Steve Barron said this would give this young side plenty of confidence going into 2017. Brothers were well lead by Brandan Jenkins with two tries and Riley Gleich andJack Richie also crossing to give the Brothers side a four point win.
They now take on Cap Coast Brothers who were ruthless in the first semi-final taking it 28 -0.
The Rocky Brethren will need to strengthen their defence next week with the likes of Joshua Welsh, Cooper Hoare and Lachlan Sweeney looking to attack at every opportunity.
Brothers Blue will need to show the same attacking skills they showed Saturday while also stopping the big Cap Coast side.
If Cap Coast play like they did in the first week of the finals they should win, but grand finals are different games and if the Rocky Brothers boys hold their line they could provide an upset.
Brothers Blue 22 (Brandan Jenkins 2, Riley Gleich, Jack Richie tries; Mitch Blutcher, Jack Richie, Reagen McKenzie goals) def Rockhampton Tigers 18 (Marko Bird, Jacob Davies, Joshua Van Nek tries; Cisavall Warcon, Jacob Davies, Tyson Eastment goals)
Under 12
Cap Coast will make it a double celebration next week with the Under 12 side knocking out last year’s premiers. Tynan Donavan was outstanding for the Coast boys, crossing for three tries in his sides 16-10 win. Rocky Brothers tried hard all day, but were down on troops which took its toll in the end. Big efforts by William Leis and Kelly Shadlow were not enough to give their side a chance at back to back premierships.
The Under 12 decider should be a great game of rugby league. Norths scraped through in extra time in Week 1 of the finals and now take on Cap Coast Brothers in the decider. Norths will be wary of the Coast side who have now defeated both of last year’s grand final teams.
Games between these sides this year have been close and this game could be decided by some individual brilliance on the day.
Norths will look to Chase Russell, Nathan Reading and Samuel Reddy to spark their attack while Cap Coast will no doubt look to Tynan Donavan, Corbin Dendle and Ethan Bird to drive their attack forward.
This should be a cracking game of rugby league. Momentum is a big plus in rugby league and Cap Coast are on a roll, don’t be surprised to see this game go into extra time.
Cap Coast Brothers 16 (Tynan Donavan 3 tries; Ethan Bird, Corbin Dendle goals) def Brothers Blue 10 (William Lewis, Kelly Shadlow tries; Connor Webber goals)
Grand final previews
The two grand finals are part of a huge day of rugby league at Browne Park Saturday
This is a great initiative by the junior and senior leagues to have all grand finals being played on the same day.
The Under 11 game will kick off at 11.45am followed by the Under 12 game at 12.45.
These games are lead-up games to the Rockhampton Senior Rugby League grand finals with the Under 20 game between Norths and Yeppoon, Reserve Grade between Wooribinda Warriors and Norths and the A Grade Brothers and Norths.
The RDJRL wish to thank everyone involved this season as it comes to an end.
To all the players, volunteers, match officials, sponsors and supporters, we look forward to seeing everyone back in 2017.
