GUYRA Ghosts were the favourites to clinch the premiership in Saturday’s New England rugby union second grade grand final.
And rightly so, the side hadn’t lost a game all season and handed Albies a 34 nil drubbing two weeks earlier in the semi-final.
The students got the match underway when they scored a penalty goal.
The Ghosts hit back shortly after when Pat Keen charged down a kick on Albies’ line to score under the posts.
The try was converted for Guyra to hold a 7-3 lead.
On the stroke of half-time, Albies’ Charlie Sykes slotted a penalty goal which saw the students close in 7-6.
Less than 15 minutes into the second stanza, St Albert’s hit the front with another Sykes penalty.
Lachlan Mack sealed the victory with a try to give the students the victory and hand the Ghosts their first loss of the season 16 points to seven.
Albies’ co-coach Tom Vanzella was absolutely thrilled his side shook the underdog status to claim the win.
He said it was pleasing his side were able put together a full match.
“Unbelievable really,” he said.
“We knew we had it in us.
“It was just about belief today.
“Up until now we had been playing half a game, or three-quarters of a game but never putting a full game on the park and we knew we had to do that today if we were going to win.”
Vanzella said Guyra had been the team to beat all year but was proud his side stepped up in the game that mattered the most.
“Guyra are a great side and we are just over the moon with the effort from the boys and very happy,” he said.
“We only had to beat them once and fortunately for us it was in the grand final.
“Hats off to the Ghosts.
“They have had a good year, are a good side and a good bunch of blokes.
“We didn’t have a lot of expectations on ourselves and we relaxed into the week and came home with the big one which is good.”
Guyra’s Liva Sili was named the best and fairest for second grade in 2016 and said while it was a disappointing finish for the Ghosts, it had been a good season and he was happy to get rewarded on the back of that.
“It is the first time and I am very happy,” he said.
“It was a really good year for the Ghosts.
“We came into the final undefeated and Albies came good in the final.”
The second grade premiership made it two on grand final day for St Albert’s College with the first grade side also taking a win in the decider.
Albies also secured the Club Championship trophy after a successful year.
Ellen Dunger
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later on that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Always happy to hear news and tips. www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later on that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Always happy to hear news and tips. www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
