Brothers break through for emotional grand final win

A DETERMINED Marist Brothers Rams broke a 22-year premiership drought with an inspired 20-12 win over Murwillumbah in the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League grand final.

It was an emotional day for the Rams, who set up the win with a herculean defensive effort in the second half at Crozier Field, Lismore.

They repelled six straight attacking sets on their tryline, with halfback Shallin Fuller setting up crucial tries for fullback Noah King and second-rower Will Woolley.

Fuller was named player of the match by the NRRRL management committee and capped a terrific season steering the side around the park after being named best and fairest in the competition.

Co-captain Mitchell Krause was also among the try-scorers and called time on his career after 15 straight seasons in the top grade.

“We can score points, but we pride ourselves on being a defensive team,” Krause said.

“I thought it was ours to lose and I was quietly confident. The job’s done now and we couldn’t be happier.

“My old man, David, was the last premiership-winning captain at the club, and it feels great to be up there with him now.

“This is it for me. I’ve achieved everything I wanted and I’m walking away with us on top of the mountain.”

Brothers were well served by co-captain Paul O’Neill, with memorable performances from King and second-rower Henry Lee.

Coach Darryl Butcher took the reins this year and orchestrated the win alongside the club’s director of coaching, Matt Barber.

“It’s relief, the pressure is off, and I’m really happy for a lot of the older boys in the team who I played with,” Butcher said.

“I’m proud of the whole club. It’s been a three-year effort to get to this point.

“A fair bit went against us in the grand final, but the boys just found a way.

“I’ve got players like Paul O’Neill who have never let me down. There was nothing going to stop any of them once we got here.”

In other games, Bilambil defeated Byron Bay 14-12 in reserve grade.

Northern United were dominant in a 44-6 win over Bilambil in the women’s tackle grand final.

Mullumbimby defeated Bilambil 18-16 in under-18s.

Tweed Heads snatched a 12-10 win with a late try over Marist Brothers in the ladies league tag.