Pioneers aim to create club history in rugby grand finals

WOLLONGBAR-Alstonville is on the verge of club history after all three senior grades qualified for Far North Coast rugby union grand finals.

First grade, reserve grade and under-18s will all play in the decider for the first time at Crozier Field, Lismore on Saturday, August 30.

The club will be chasing a fourth straight title in the top grade after a convincing 43-19 win over Ballina in its major semi-final at Pioneer Park.

The Pioneers raced out to a 22-0 lead after tries to centre Rory Collings, flanker Joe Blythe and winger James Vidler.

“It was one of our only dry games this season, so it was nice to be able to use the ball,” Wollongbar-Alstonville captain Ben Damen said.

“It was a fast start for us; we had them on the back foot and really took control of the game in the second half.

“The job is only half done for all three grades, but it was a great day and shows the depth in the club.”

Damen was injured early in the game after a late tackle with Ballina clawing back to 22-12 at halftime.

The five-eighth returned to the game before a second stint off the field when he received a yellow card for a lifting tackle.

Once he came back on the Pioneers clicked into gear again with strong performances from hooker Bill Johnston, flanker Wilson Lovokuro and Blythe.

In reserve grade, Wollongbar-Alstonville centre Matt Nean scored two tries in a 31-18 win over Casuarina, while winger Aaron Hanna bagged a try-scoring double in a 20-5 win over Mullumbimby in under-18s.

Other winners on the day saw Lismore qualify for the women’s grand final along with Mullumbimby in the Presidents Cup competition.

In the minor semi-final, Casuarina were dominant in a 50-15 win over Byron Bay.

They will take on Ballina in the first grade preliminary final at Crozier Field, Lismore this weekend.

Ballina reserve grade and women’s team advanced to preliminary finals along with the Lismore under-18s and the Richmond Range President’s Cup team.