By Kevin Braysher
THE Southport Tigers have qualified for the Bycroft Cup Rugby League grand final in both first grade and reserve grade in what was a tremendous day for the club at Owen Park on Sunday.
The reserve grade side got the job done first by defeating the minor premiers Burleigh 14-6, then the first grade boys notched a tough 36-20 win over Tugun in the main event.
“It was a great occasion for the A grade boys but the reserve grade winning before us just spurred the boys on which was great because we’re a club first and foremost,” Tigers coach Steve Dowd said.
“It’s not just about this team it’s about first grade, reserve grade and 19s. It’s unfortunate that 19s bowed out yesterday but to have reserve grade and first grade through the grand final is a super effort for the club.”
The lead changed on six different occasions in what was a highly entertaining and competitive game of football, but a late surge from the Tigers ultimately proved the difference and got Southport a grand final appearance.
With 20 minutes to go Tugun, on the back of tries in consecutive sets of six, had the lead and the momentum and looked ready to march on into the grand final.
But the Tigers wouldn’t lie down andforced a forced a turnover with some stiff defence and put up a massive bomb.
There were plenty of players around but only Southport winger Mick Davis was ever going to come down with it.
He leapt high above the pack and brought it down for his second try of the day, giving Southport the lead again in the process.
The Tigers never let go of the lead again after that with tries to LatuHeleta and a length of the field effort from Hirini Robin saw the Tigers stretch the final margin out to 16.
Dowd said his side’s decision making, especially the 60th minute bomb, was the reason they were able to lift in the final stages.
“We really toughed it out and to beat Tugun you’ve got to be able to go with them,” Dowd said.
“They are a very good football side. They’re tough and led well by Sammy Rowlings and Robert Apanui .
“From our point of view we stuck with them and our discipline was very good. I was proud of that.”
Seahawks coach Selwyn Apanui was disappointed with his side’s performance especially after they were so good a week ago.
“We were our own worst enemy today,” he said.
“We didn’t back up what we did last week. We didn’t earn the right to play the footy we were trying to play and unfortunately it didn’t unfold the way we wanted it to which is standard when you don’t want to play down the middle of the field.
“Guys last week were fighting for jumpers and this week I think they were expecting to get jumpers and it just didn’t pan out the way we wanted.
“Credit to Southport though, they played better footy. They earned the right, they got out of their half well and deserved to get the win.”
Tugun will now return to Boyd Street to face Bilambil in the preliminary final next Sunday with the winner to face Southport on 8 September at Pizzey Park.
Bilambil advanced to the preliminary final by knocking over the defending premiers Burleigh 18-16 in their elimination final on Saturday.
Minor Semi Final at Bilambil Ground Saturday 24 August
U/19 BILAMBIL 22
Tries: B. O’Gorman 2, M. Cornelius, L. Garner Goals: B. O’Gorman 3
Def
U/19 SOUTHPORT 20
Tries:D. Lagerstrom, R. Weymouth, L. Liolavele, B. King Goals: P. Pohipi 2
RESERVE BILAMBIL 22
Tries: N. Roughead 2, M. Dinsey, M. Wilmot Goals: B. Ghosn 2
Def
RESERVE RUNAWAY BAY 20
Tries: M. Norris-Jackson, J. Heu, R. Falani Goals: D. Hayes 3
A GRADE BILAMBIL 18
Tries: D. Lanston 2, N. Black, C. Rowston Goals: N. Black
Def
A GRADE BURLEIGH 16
Tries: H. Allsop 2, K. Nilan Goals: H. Allsop 2 Major Final at Owen Park, Sunday, 25 August.
U/19 BURLEIGH 48
Tries:S. Croker 2, H. Hughes 2, M. Wheeler, B. Capello, C. Rhodes, S. Handley, B. Arena Goals: C. Rhodes 5, M. Wheeler.
Def
U/19 TUGUN 4
Tries: N. Swain Goals:
RESERVE GRADE SOUTHPORT 14
Tries: T. Laufalealo, J. Utiera, I. Fuaivaa Goals: C. Chapman
Def
RESERVE GRADE BURLEIGH 6
Tries: D. Hogg Goals: J. Campbell
A GRADE SOUTHPORT 36
Tries: M. Davis 2, H. Robin 2, P. Hunt, L. Heleta, Tu Whakatihi Goals: T. Cannard 4
Def
A GRADE TUGUN 20
Tries: D. Nash 2, J. Sykes, S. Rowlings Goals: K. Te Kiri 2
