Group 7 Grand Finals A Great Day Of Footy
By PHILLIP McCARROLL
Just as it did in 2008, the final week of the 2009 South Coast Group 7 Rugby League competition delivered four excellent Grand Finals.
In the first game of the day, the Greenwell Point Pirates made it back to back Reagan Cup premierships with a hard fought 26 – 14 victory over the Warilla Gorillas.
For the Pirates, this year’s finals campaign was similar to last years, beaten in the first qualifying semi, before bouncing back to take the title.
The U/18s decider saw history be created with the Culburra Dolphins downing favourites Kiama 38 – 26.
The Dolphins had a fairytale run, they finished fifth after 18 rounds before sweeping Batemans Bay, Gerringong and Milton in the finals, going on to claim their first senior premiership.
The Reserve Grade decider produced perhaps the match of the day with the Berry Shoalhaven Heads Magpies holding of the Warilla Gorillas for 21 – 20 victory.
The Gorillas were short priced favourites going into the game, having only lost one game all season but Berry came out on fire to catch the Gorillas napping to jump to a 20 – 6 lead.
The Gorillas clawed their way back to 20 all at the end of regulation time, before veteran Magpies lock Danny Siddons slotted a field goal in golden point extra time to seal the win.
The First Grade match was another nail biter, with arch rivals Albion Park Oak Flats ensuring that the Gorillas went home 0 – 3 for the day with a 25 – 22 win.
The Eagles dominated for most part of the game, with some desperate defence late in the second half stopping a resurgent Warilla from clawing their way in front.
