The Armidale Blues produced a stirring second-half comeback to claim their second consecutive New England Rugby Union first-grade premiership at Bellevue Oval on Saturday.
St Albert’s College applied plenty of early pressure and took a 15–10 lead into half-time, but the Blues emerged strongly after the break.
Armidale drew level before opening a 27–15 advantage. Albies quickly replied to reduce the margin to five points, setting up a tense finish.
The Blues crossed again as the clock ran down, before Shaun Collins supplied the final highlight. With Albies attacking in search of a consolation try, Collins intercepted the ball and raced about 90 metres to score beneath the posts on the siren.
The late try completed Armidale’s 41–22 victory and sparked celebrations among the club’s large contingent of supporters.
O’Neil crossed twice for the Blues, while Smith, Rhodes-Swain, Brazier, Burton and Collins scored one try each. The result rewarded eight months of preparation and gave the club consecutive first-grade titles.
Walcha finishes strongly
Walcha captured the second-grade premiership with a 39–24 victory over Albies.
An early break and offload produced Walcha’s opening try, before Albies answered after regathering a well-placed grubber kick.
Walcha carried a 15–10 advantage into the break and extended its lead early in the second half. Albies continued to challenge, reducing the margin to 27–24 as the sides traded tries.
The contest remained in the balance until Walcha pulled away during the closing stages, adding two late tries to seal the premiership.
Bees secure consecutive titles
The Tenterfield Bumblebees claimed their second successive third-grade premiership with a 31–19 win over Albies.
After the teams exchanged early tries, Tenterfield found space down its left edge and established a commanding 26–7 half-time lead.
Albies launched a determined second-half response, but another Tenterfield try placed the result beyond reach before two late Albies scores narrowed the final margin.
The Bees overcame injuries to several key players during the season, with a group of younger footballers stepping into larger roles. Following consecutive third-grade titles, the club will consider moving into second grade next season.
Tenterfield is also making progress towards establishing a women’s team.
Late try delivers Elks premiership
The Glen Innes Elks staged a late comeback to defeat minor premiers Barraba 21–17 in the Women’s 10s Grand Final.
Glen Innes opened a 14–5 lead during the first quarter, but Barraba settled into the match and gradually took control.
The Rams narrowed the margin during the second quarter before driving the length of the field for another try in the third. That effort put Barraba ahead 17–14 entering the closing stages.
With about three minutes remaining, Glen Innes received a penalty and forced its way through the defence for the match-winning try. The conversion restored the Elks’ lead, which they protected until the final whistle.
Glen Innes player Ava Mitchell finished the season as the competition’s leading points scorer and was also named woman of the finals series.
Armidale Blues player Hannah Friedman received the Alana Thomas Shield as the competition’s most promising player.
Vision of the New England Rugby Union grand finals is available on YouTube.
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