By Claire Stegbauer
With the metropolitan Junior Representatives competitions on a bye week, the spotlight shifted to the regional competitions. The final round before the Semi-finals brought some high-stakes matchups, with standout performances from several teams. These games not only set the stage for semi-finals but also highlighted the front-runners. Keep an eye out next week for more to come on finals.
SLE Laurie Daley Cup
Bulldogs run away with victory over Tigers in Round Five showdown
In a commanding performance, the North Coast Bulldogs secured a dominant 44-6 victory over Macarthur Wests Tigers in Round Five of the SLE Laurie Daley Cup.
The Bulldogs displayed clinical attacking play, running in nine tries and converting four, while the Tigers could only manage a single try and one successful conversion.
The Bulldogs quickly took the lead, with Karl Turner scoring twice in the third and sixth minutes for a 10-0 advantage. Toby Batten converted both tries, extending the lead to 12-0.
The Tigers struggled to contain the Bulldogs' attack, and by the 24th minute, the Bulldogs extended their lead through Zayne Shutes' try. Rielly Laverty added another try just three minutes later, with Batten converting once again to put the Bulldogs in control at 20-0.
The Bulldogs’ dominance continued throughout the first half. A try from Antwone Quinlin-Randall in the 34th minute, followed by another from Aidan Langham on the stroke of halftime, ensured a comfortable 26-0 lead at the break.
The second half saw Rave Brazier cross in the 48th minute, and Batten successfully converted to extend the lead to 32-0. Despite a try from Riley Edmunds for the Tigers in the 53rd minute, converted by Stirling Faumui, the Tigers were unable to gain any significant momentum.
Aidan Langham added his second try of the game in the 58th minute, followed by Wesley LeRougetel’s try in the 65th minute, bringing the final score to a resounding 44-6.
An outstanding performance from both Turner and Langham, both scoring doubles, cemented the Bulldogs as the Northern Pool front-runners going into the Semis.
SLE Andrew Johns Cup
Tigers hold off late titans charge to claim 16-14 victory
In a tightly contested match, the Northern Tigers edged out the Northern Rivers Titans 16-14 in Round Five of the SLE Andrew Johns Cup, holding off a late challenge to claim the win.
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both sides struggling to break through the defence. The Titans were the first to draw blood in the 12th minute when Max Palmer crashed over for the opening try. The conversion attempt from Dallas Russell was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 4-0.
The Tigers responded well, and it was their turn to find the try-line in the 37th minute through Kobhan Nean. Cohen Matthews’ conversion attempt was successful, giving the Tigers a slim 6-4 lead.
Just moments later, a penalty goal by Matthews from the 39-minute mark gave the Tigers an 8-4 advantage heading into halftime.
The second half began with the Titans looking to reclaim the lead, and Cruz Sewell's try in the 32nd minute, coupled with Russell’s successful conversion, put them ahead 10-8. But the Tigers were quick to reply, with Sebastian Stafa crossing over in the 49th minute to regain the lead at 12-10, although Matthews’ conversion attempt went wide.
Parker Kemister gave the Titans a brief moment of hope, scoring in the 45th minute to put the Titans back in front at 14-12. However, the Tigers refused to back down, and in the 52nd minute, Cooper O’Neill’s try sealed the game for the Tigers, pushing them ahead 16-14.
Despite a late surge from the Titans, the Tigers held firm, and the final whistle saw them narrowly defeat the Titans 16-14.
Click here for latest results and standings from the SLE Andrew Johns Cup.
Click here for latest results and standing from the SLE Laurie Daley Cup.
Click here for latest results from the Westpac Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup.
