Jamie Parsons

Goolgowi locked in their third minor premiership and first since 2021 with a big win over Deniliquin, and a one point win to Ivanhoe over Barellan in the grand final rematch relegated Rankins Springs to missing the finals despite a 3-3 finish.

Women’s Games

In the first grand final rematch of the day, Ivanhoe overcame a short Barellan side, who needed players from Rankins Springs, Deniliquin and Goolgowi, 4-0 to wrap up their first minor premiership. Rachael Burns scoring the only try of the game in an undefeated regular season from the Ivanhoe Hens. In a classic defensive game, Hillston and Rankins Springs went the full length of the field back-and-forth all game but desperate scrambling defence denied each other every time. Only a penalty goal with 2 minutes left to Tash Tuckett proved the difference, the Dragons winning 2-0 to finish in second. Goolgowi came in needing to win to make the finals and a brave Deniliquin outfit couldn’t deny them. Doubles to Aleeysha Munday and Alirah Hands gave the Rabbitohs their biggest win of the season, 26-0 over the Blueheelers.

Men’s Games

Ivanhoe and Barellan finally met for the Grand Final rematch in the last round of the season. Barellan, as with most of the season, were short on players and had to borrow a few to have a bench. In a see-sawing game, Ivanhoe were up at halftime but the Rams fought back to be up 18-10, and then two further tries to Ivanhoe locked it at 18-all. With a few minutes left an Owen Whyman field goal had the Roosters up and looking at a possible second-placed finish.

Rankins Springs now had to win by 55 points to make the finals due to the Ivanhoe win. Hillston had to win to stay top of the ladder. With an early intercept try to Saul Railo the Bluebirds looked good to continue their form, but the Dragons had the better of the second half, hitting the lead and going on with it with three late tries to win 36-14. If the Rams had got up instead the Dragons would be playing next week, but in the story of their season their bad luck meant an early season exit despite 3 wins and 3 losses.

Goolgowi now only had to win to claim the minor premiership and blasted Deniliquin out of the blocks early with a 32-0 halftime lead. In the second half they looked to go on with it and enact the mercy rule but blew several opportunities and gave up one try. A 52-4 win final scoreline enough to earn first spot.