Ballina breaks 18-year-drought in rugby grand final

BALLINA snapped an 18-year premiership drought with a hard-fought 25-19 win over Wollongbar-Alstonville in the Far North Coast rugby union grand final at Crozier Field in Lismore.

The Seahorses made a fast start, taking a 17-0 lead with tries by halfback Jack Radford, hooker Jack Wallace and front-rower Stan Lolohea.

They had to dig deep in the second half, extending their advantage to 25-14 before the Pioneers finished with a late try.

Ballina coach Michael Greenhalgh said defence proved the difference.

“We were hungry for it, we knew we only had to beat them once and we got it done,” Greenhalgh said.

“We’ve had to chase our tail against them a few times this year, but we started well and the defensive effort in the last 15 minutes was unbelievable.

“It’s huge for the club, it was well overdue, there was some high emotions running on the day and we had the old boys and all our supporters there riding it home with us.”

The Ballina women’s team won its grand final 26-22 against Lismore City. Photo: SUPPLIED

Wollongbar-Alstonville had not lost a game all season and was aiming for a fourth straight title and its 10th premiership since 2014.

Five-eighth Sam Giltrap returned from a broken hand for the finals, with strong performances from fullback Elliot Bryers, while captain Brett Johnston and flanker Andree Burke led the way in the forwards.

It was a double celebration for Ballina, with its women’s team winning a second premiership, their first since 2020.

The women’s grand final came down to the last play when Emma Stockham scored off a long-range kick from Charlie Davies to seal a 26-22 win over Lismore.

The team enjoyed a standout season with Riley Rampling, Lily Davies and captain Ash Kindred among their best.

“They never give up and the women have been a massive asset to the club on and off the field this season,” Greenhalgh said.

In other results, Casuarina defeated Wollongbar-Alstonville 25-7 in reserve grade, Mullumbimby beat Richmond Range 17-7 to win President’s Cup, and the Pioneers took out the under-18s grand final 12-7 against Mullumbimby.