by Tallon Smith (17/07/2022)

Best Articles of 2022 #4

The Ivanhoe Roosters have stamped their passport to make a trip the size of a small country after qualifying for the Proten Community Cup Rugby League Grand Final in Barellan next weekend courtesy of a 28-10 victory over Hillston in the Preliminary Final at Henry Mathieson Oval in Narrandera.

The Roosters started strong with tries to Cassidy Evans and Oisin Leahy, before Hillston clawed their way back through tries to David Milne and Jock Potter, leaving the Bluebirds only two points adrift at 12-10 after Manase Panove made one of two conversions.

18 minutes into play in the second stanza, Roosters five-eighth Victor Ward scored and converted to take his side’s lead beyond a converted try, before Coach Kodie Charles gave his side further breathing room with a try to take them out to a 24-10 lead.

A try to James Rogers two minutes from full time sealed a 28-10 victory for the Roosters, who now look forward to their first Grand Final since 1987 when they make the three-and-a-half hour trip to Barellan to face Narrandera next Saturday at 2pm. The Roosters will aim to turn the tables on the Lizards, who defeated them 24-12 in the Major Semi Final at home in Ivanhoe just last weekend, in what is shaping up to be a colossal rematch in the big dance.

In the Women’s 9’s competition, Goolgowi have advanced to the Grand Final after warding off a gallant Rankins Springs side 18-10 in the Preliminary Final. Much like the Ivanhoe Men’s side, the Rabbitohs will face a red-hot Narrandera side in the Grand Final, which will be played as a curtain-raiser to the Men’s decider next weekend.