Tallon Smith

The Border Bears have booked their place in the club’s first Goulburn Murray Premiership grand final after defeating the Albury Muddogs 22-16 in a physical major semi final clash at the Corowa Airport Oval on Sunday.

After opening up a 16-10 lead at the break through first half tries to Teofilo Teofilo, Lachlan Bishop and Tu Belolevu, the Bears maintained their six-point advantage to claim the first place in the decider on Sunday week.

Bears coach Scott Smith said the win was a hard-fought one, with the intensity of the match a step up from the regular season meetings between the sides.

“It was the most physical game that I’ve seen all year from both sides, they absolutely belted each other,” he said.

“We knew that the Muddogs were going to come ready to play and they’re quality opposition.

“They threw everything at us, and we repelled them a fair few times from the line.”

A number of Bears players performed strongly to lift the side to victory over the minor premiers, with centres Mason Charles and Teofilo, as well as front row trio Cam Miller, Brody McCann-Dillon and Lachlan Bishop all drawing praise from Smith.

Helping to direct the entire side was halfback Elijah Williams, whose latest showing in both attack and defence also impressed the Border club’s coach.

“[Elijah] got us out of trouble a lot with his kicking game, which he normally does,” Smith said. 

“Probably the clutch play of the game was when there was an intercept pass thrown and they looked set to run the length of the field, and he pinned the ears back and ran him down.”

As the first Border Bears team in either the men’s or women’s competition to reach the grand final, the squad has already made history.

However, Smith said while he is proud of what his side has achieved to this point, the focus squarely remains on securing a victory in two weeks’ time.

“For us as a club, the job is not done, but you have got to be in it to win it,” he said. 

“We couldn’t be happier that we’ve gone straight in and we haven’t had to do it the hard way.

“As far as the club goes, the club couldn’t be more proud of the playing group.”

The grand final will kick off at 3:00pm at the Glenrowan Recreation on Sunday, August 30.

BORDER BEARS 22 (Teofilo Teofilo, Lachlan Bishop, Tu Belolevu, Jayden Kitt tries; Brody McCann-Dillon 3 goals) DEFEATED ALBURY MUDDOGS 16 (Beau Kelly, Harrison Newton, Brendan McDonald tries; Rea Lafai, Brendan McDonald goals) at Corowa Airport Oval, Sunday August 16.

Knights survive sudden death showdown with golden victory

A golden point try to fullback Jale Vetawa saw Wangaratta progress to the second week of the finals with a 40-36 victory over a gallant Wodonga Wombats side in the elimination final.

Having already scored two tries in regular time, Vetawa crossed early in the extra time period to complete his hat-trick, seal the victory and set up a preliminary final clash with the Albury Muddogs at Sarvaas Park on Sunday.

Wangaratta coach Scott Miller said he was pleased with the victory, after the side fell at the same stage of the competition last year.

“It was great coming away with the win from the high scoring match,” he said. 

“We had been in control most of the game, and to the credit of the boys, we responded well when challenged late, particularly [in] the golden point scenario.

“The boys had great energy, poise, and everyone played to the peak of their ability. 

“It is good to be able to carry this performance deeper into finals.”

Vetawa’s matchwinner followed an attacking shootout, where both sides crossed for seven tries in regular time to finish locked at 36-all.

Miller said the match-winning play in extra time capped off an incredible overall performance from the fullback, with his contribution across the afternoon key to the result.

“Jale’s three tries were integral to the outcome of the game. 

“Both teams were scoring well, but he put in a great performance including the golden point try in our first offensive set. 

“We always have high expectations of Jale and his performance and he delivered with the support of the rest of the team. There was a nice spread of try scorers and standout performances.”

Next up for the Knights is a major test against an Albury Muddogs side looking to exercise the second chance it worked hard for in the regular season in front of the its home fans at Sarvaas Park.

Ahead of the looming showdown for a spot in the grand final against the minor premiers, Miller said his side is approaching the match the same as it would any other.

“Our focus going into the preliminary final remains the same as the second half of this season. 

“Approach the game with the right energy and attitude, and things will go our way. 

“I would back our boys against anyone in the comp, and we have a stronger squad with more depth this week. 

“That’s probably the beauty of the comp this year, all the teams are quite closely matched, but with different approaches and style. 

“I have a lot of respect for the Muddogs game, but we are definitely up to the challenge.”

The preliminary final will kick off at 2:00pm.

WANGARATTA 40 (Jale Vetawa 3, Jimi Jo Larson, Jacob Roberts, Emeri Ratucoko, Thomas Evans, Matty Flewin tries; Jacob Roberts 4 goals) DEFEATED WODONGA 36 (Cody Spencer 2, Faamanu Faamanu 2, Lino Misa, Jayden Carberry, Afele Aloisio tries; Lino Misa 2, Jarrett Kerwin 2 goals) at Corowa Airport Oval, Sunday August 16.