The Gungahlin Eagles have claimed the Second Grade Title for 2019 season after defeating the Tuggeranong Vikings 24-11 at Viking Park on Saturday afternoon.
The two teams have had quite the rivalry throughout the season as Gungahlin went undefeated all season, before suffering a Qualification Final loss two weeks ago, but that all ended with Gungahlin being crowned champions.
It was a physical encounter from the get-go. Gungahlin seemed to have the upper hand as most of the game was being played in Tuggeranong’s half in the opening stanza. Big shots were being made from both sides causing some players to be taken off early due to injury.
Gungahlin were first to put points on the scoreboard as lock Stuart Crew displayed some fancy skill work to fool the last Tuggeranong defender in his way. Claude Edwards converted from in front. The build-up was crucial though, with strong ball runners from the Gungahlin forward pack including Oscar Cunningham and Simon Anau.
Tuggeranong found themselves struggling when they got into Gungahlin’s half, unable to convert territory into points. They drifted sideways and lost the ball in a ruck, then lost their own lineout providing the Eagles with the upper hand.
Viking fullback Jed Englert was nearly able to thread through Gungahlin’s defence, he broke a couple of tackles and his team mates backed him up. The forwards had some solid hit ups leaving the backs to do their thing and score in the corner through Turi Hides.
Number 8 for the Eagles, Simon Anau, was devastating on the field and the big man tippy toed up against the sideline to score in the corner. He nearly bagged a double just before half time but was tackled out of touch as the hooter sounded. Going into the sheds at half time, Gungahlin lead 12-8 in a very close first half.
It looked like Tuggeranong coach Brendan Allardyce had some strong words for his team during the break. The Vikings played a lot more of a direct style of play instead of trying to spread the ball wide.
Vikings were able to create an overlap off one of their lineouts and make some solid ground upfield, only for some poor handling errors then cost them possession. Gungahlin were struggling a little bit on defence, again letting Tuggeranong find their way into their 22’. Being caught offside right in front of the posts had the Vikings elect for the points opportunity, closing the gap to just one point through the boot of Evenden.
Gungahlin fullback Jamie Kotz then found himself stranded on sideline, only for some slick side-stepping past the onrushing Vikings, allowing him the space for a run straight towards the try line. He scored in front of the Eagles supporters parked up on the southern hill. A missed conversion by Edwards meant scores were now 17-11 with 15 minutes of play left. It was anyone’s game.
Gungahlin really stepped up their game in the last fifteen minutes. They were running hard on to the ball and breaking the advantage line nearly every phase. Winger Miseli Sinoti was a standout. He nearly got the ball on the ground in the corner but was called help up but after the scrum he ran an inside line and barged over to score for the Eagles. Scores were now 24-11 with just less than 10 minutes of play left.
With no points being scored in the last ten minutes, Gungahlin claimed victory and the Second Grade Championship with hands up in elation and big hugs being shared between team mates signalling their victory.
Second Grade
Grand Final
Tuggeranong Vikings (8) 11 (T: Turi Hides, P: Jack Evenden (2)) Gungahlin Eagles (12) 24 (T: Stuart Crew, Simon Anau, Jamie Kotz, Miseli Sinoti C: Claude Edwards (2))
Words: Rob Davison
