1St Division Grand Final – UTS Tigers 24 Edmund College/Lewisham Old Boys 22
In a nail-biting finish to the 1st Division grand final, a missed conversion from the sideline right on full time cost Old Boys the opportunity to put the game into extra time, leaving UTS victors 24-22.
However, as that conversion attempt traveled just under the cross bar to be waived no goal, Old Boys could not lay blame on their hapless kicker for their plight, they sealed their own fate in the first half. Despite dominating possession and field position, they trailed 12-4 at the break after a number of scoring chances went astray through misdirected passes or dropped balls. The Tigers were quick to capitalize on the Old Boys’ errors and in the unseasonably warm weather, took advantage of the toll the heat was taking on the big Old Boys pack.
The Tigers extended their lead early in the second half and held it for the duration of the match. But as the temperature cooled, the Old Boys attack heated up and the Tigers had to hold on grimly, right up to the full time whistle.
2nd Division Grand Final – CSU Mungoes 34, UTS Tigers 28
The 2nd Division grand final was also a nail-biter, but unfolded in a vastly different manner to the 1st Division match. The Mungoes forged to a 24-4 lead in the first half, completely controlling every aspect of the game. However, the 30 degree temperature must have sapped the energy of the Mungoes forwards allowing the Tigers to claw their way back into the game, drawing to within 6 points with only 5 minutes left on the clock. The Tigers were camped in the opposition’s half for that period and mounted a number of attacking raids but the Mungoes were just able to hold them out, relieved when the final hooter sounded.
