Despite losing the big one, Seagulls still shine
Ballina Seagulls may have lost the ‘big one’, but the senior and junior rugby league clubs still managed to pick up four major premierships last weekend.
Ballina’s reserve grade had a convincing 46-6 win over Murwillumbah Mustangs in the Retravision Northern League grand final at Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina, on Sunday.
On Saturday, Ballina teams contested six of the seven Group One Juniors grand finals held at Byron Bay.
The Under-10s lost their grand final but the premiership stayed in Ballina Shire, with Lennox Head beating Ballina White 24-10.
In Under-11s, Kyogle beat Ballina 42-14 to confirm once again that the Turkeys are a strong junior nursery.
Ballina’s Under-12s were too strong for Casino RSM, winning 18-12.
In Under-13s, Ballina beat Marist Brothers 22-14.
The Under-14s won a tight struggle against Clarence Coast, with the Seagulls winning 10-8.
The Under-15s also was a close encounter, with Brothers beating Ballina 22-20.
Kyogle made it two grand final wins with a 28-22 victory over Marist Brothers in the Under-16 decider.
Meanwhile, Ballina fans are still shaking their heads and wondering how the Seagulls’ first-graders lost 34-30 to Mullumbimby.
Ballina led 30-22 with five minutes remaining, but the Giants scored two quick tries to snatch a thrilling win.
It was a cruel blow to the young Ballina team, who more than matched it with a bigger Giants outfit.
It was a painful lesson, but no doubt the boys will be back again next year, much wiser for the experience.
PICTURES: Oh, the agony … Ballina players were shattered after their narrow grand final loss; some of the crowd at the grand final. (Pictures courtesy of Doug Eaton).
September 19th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
Bad luck, Seagulls. Was hoping for them to win for my mate, Bingey.
Next year, aye, fellas.