By Ethan Graham and Tallon Smith
The Ballina Seagulls are the 2024 Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League Premiers after a 16-10 win over the Bilambil Jets in the Grand Final at Kingsford Smith Park on Sunday afternoon.
Hot weather greeted a good turnout of footy fans, as the Seagulls overturned a narrow half time lead to claim their seventh title in the past 12 seasons dating back to their 2013 triumph over Murwillumbah.
By kick off time in First Grade, the Bilambil faithful were desperate to not go 0-3 on Grand Final day, while Ballina were looking to capitalise on a great year of footy.
A backwards overhead try assist pass saw Bilambil second rower Kalani Hensby open the scoring, with a roar erupting from the Jets fans.
Soon after, a soaring torpedo bomb by Jets halfback Harry Fitzhugh forced an error and provided a chance for a second try early on, but an error saw the score remain at 4-0.
Ballina struggled to make metres early, but once they gained territory they made the most of it, with the Seagulls quickly crossing the line during their first attacking set in the opposition 20 metre area, via a charging Anthony Colman on the edge to take a 6-4 lead.
The try ignited the Ballina crowd, and minutes later a penalty kick right in front saw the score extend to 8-4 in favour of the home side.
The heat and intensity saw the players fatigue more as the half continued, causing consistent errors, low completion rates, and subsequent struggles in attack.
However, in the midst of the deadlock, Bilambil struck, with winger Reiven Smallman racing over with six minutes remaining in the first half to take back the lead 10-8.
The Ballina crowd which packed the eastern hill became more vocal around this time, banging on the sponsor signs and cheering loudly in an attempt to lift their side.
A controversial held up call stopped Ballina from taking back the lead with a minute remaining in the first stanza, as Bilambil took a narrow 10-8 lead into the sheds.
Around this time, the heat and the occasion clearly was clearly beginning to affect both sides, with an unforced error by the Jets almost immediately after being gifted the ball thanks to a knock on from Ballina in their own 10 metre zone evidence of this.
Bilambil began to mount the pressure, with Ballina struggling to make metres, as the second half remained scoreless for the first 15 minutes.
A penalty close to the uprights saw Ballina take their chance to equalise, scores 10-10.
Minutes later, a well placed grubber saw centre Jordan Lee go in for the Seagulls’ second try of the afternoon, with the following conversion giving them a 16-10 lead with 15 minutes left to play.
Soon after, a shadow started to cast over the ground, as pressure built on Bilambil, who knew they needed to be next to score.
A penalty 10 metres out saw them presented with the perfect opportunity, but another error saw them squander a chance to equalise, eliciting an emotional response from a number of Jets players.
Another controversial call a few minutes later saw Bilambil miss out on a certain try, evening it out after Ballina’s unlucky call earlier, and leaving the Jets six points down and with time quickly evaporating.
The Jets get the ball back again with five minutes left, presenting them with another attempt to capitalise, however a kick on third tackle doesn’t pay off and pressure continues to mount.
Needing to close out the game, Ballina failed to help their own cause drop the ball in their own 10 metre area, giving the Jets yet another chance, but great goal line defence by the Seagulls atones for their error and keeps them out.
Despite a last minute push by the Jets, Ballina held on from there to secure a narrow victory and the NRRRL First Grade title for 2024 on their home turf.
The final score, Ballina 16, Bilambil 10, as the Jets went 0-3 across three grades on Grand Final day, while Ballina converted the Minor Premiership into the Major title.
Reserve Grade – Byron Bay v Tweed Heads
The Tweed Heads Seagulls secured the Reserve Grade title after a 30-18 victory over the Byron Bay Red Devils after a bruising final showdown.
Tweed Heads fullback Tashahn Cora impressed in the match, scoring a brilliant individual try to silence the large Byron Bay contingent donning ‘Go the Bay’ shirts in the crowd and seal his side’s victory.
In a really physical battle, Tweed Heads prop Noah Gafa was sent off for throwing a punch, while Byron Bay five-eighth Flynn Whitney was also sin-binned for his involvement in the scuffle.
Under 18s – Bilambil v Byron Bay
The Byron Bay Red Devils took out the Under 18’s Grand Final after a 36-28 victory over Bilambil in a high-scoring affair.
The Red Devils scored seven tries to the Jets’ five to record a solid victory and ensure they left with some silverware prior to their defeat in the Reserve Grade match.
Open Women’s Tackle – Bilambil v Northern United
The Northern United Dirawongs secured the Open Women’s Tackle Premiership with a 46-18 victory over Bilambil after a one-sided second half.
The size of the Northern United forward pack, combined with the speed from outside backs proved too much, as the Dirawongs ran away with the game in the last 15 minutes.
Both fullbacks played a great game, with the Northern United fullback scoring a couple of great tries as the Dirawongs capitalised on their many line breaks to secure a massive victory.
LLT – Lismore Marist Brothers Rams vs Tweed Heads
In the opening clash of the day, Tweed Heads secured the Ladies League Tag title with a narrow 12-6 win over Marist Brothers thanks to a pair of tries in the corner.
The match was fiercely contested, with Tweed Heads ultimately deserving their victory through tactical play and solid defence.
Battlers For Bush Footy 