Ballina Under-11s win league grand final
Congratulations to the Ballina Quay West Under-11s, who won the Group One Junior Rugby League grand final30-12 against Lennox Head.
The match was played in very hot conditions at Casino, with Ballina very dominant from the start against a determined Lennox team with the ‘Bruise Brothers,’ captain Bhilly Sines and Jack Tyndall, showing the way.
Leading by example Bhilly Sines opened the scoring, throwing more dummies than in a baby shop to score under the posts, then hooker Christopher Pilley scored a clever try, running the blindside from dummy-half to score from 15 meters out for 12-0.
Lennox hit back with a try to Zac Condon, before Brendan Foster shaped to kick but served up a great pass for Zac Beecher to score and make it 18-6.
The second half saw Ballina score after five minutes when Zac Beecher sliced through on an angled run, beating four defenders to score in the corner 24-6.
Blake Roberts secured the win with a 50m run up the sideline for 30-6.
Lennox scored a late try to Tama Scott 30-12.
The Ballina stuck to the game plan and secured an excellent win.
Their coach Barry Pilley said all the players on the day were great.
“Matt Koellner was strong and he was backed up by Daniel Boardman, Nick Meaney and Zac Beecher,” he said.
“Brendan Foster at halfback continued his form which was good throughout the year and was Man of the Match.
“The Ballina team played great football all year, winning the minor and major premierships as well as both carnivals, at times showing football skills beyond their years.
“They should be very proud of their achievments — well done boys.”
PICTURE: The Ballina Under-11s, back row (left to right) Scott Redford (trainer), Dane Strudwick, Jack Tyndall (obscured), Barry Pilley (coach), Phil Tyndall (trainer); middle row (left to right) Matt Koellner, Connor Currie, Daniel Boardman, Kelly Sironen, Nick Meaney, Christopher Pilley, John Young, Ben Grebert, Brendan Foster; front row (left to right) Elwyn Dickson, Zac Beecher, Bhilly Sines, Blake Roberts, Thomas Redford.
