After setting the standard on Day 1 both Wollongong Devils in the Women’s Open and Doyalson Dragons in the Men’s Open have claimed victory at the 2017 Country Championships.
The Devils were a cut above the Parkes Pumas in their final, taking out the title with a comprehensive 12-0. The class of Sophie Broadhead, the McCall sisters, Rachael Beck and Ash Stanley proved to be more than what the Pumas could handle. With the Devils now bouncing after their victory, it’s proved a great preparation for the December’s State Cup, and they will certainly cause plenty of alarm to some of their more seasoned opposition at the State Cup in December.
The Dragons had a much tougher time in their Grand Final against the Wollongong Devils and have now claimed four consecutive Men’s Open titles. The Dragons were caught off guard early with Wollongong scoring in their first possession. With the lead in hand the Devils applied plenty of pressure before Doyalson were able to muster their own first touchdown. It wasn’t long from there on that Doyalson proved their big match experience moving into the lead and holding the Devils at bay. The final score of 8-4 didn’t reflect the closeness of the game and we are certain the Wollongong Coach Matt Tope is happy with the steady progress of the team across the weekend and into the preparation phase for the State Cup.
With the Country Championship title now in the bag the Dragons have the real possibility of doing the unique Vawdon Cup and Country Championships double as they face Parramatta Eels next Saturday’s Vawdon Cup Grand Final.
Port Macquarie Makos shocked the rapid Port Hunter Marauders in the Mixed Open Division claiming a 6-4 victory. The Makos had to do it the hard way being undermanned throughout the whole tournament and will certainly enjoy their sleep tonight. Coach Aaron Ison will be happy his Makos were able to turn the result around after the Marauders won their last battle at the Hunter Western Championships in Maitland.
Final Results
Men’s Open A: Doyalson Dragons 8 def. Wollongong Devils 4 Player of the Final: Daniel Langbridge Doyalson
Women’s Open A: Wollongong Devils 12 def. Parkes Pumas 0 Player of the Final: Sophie Broadhead Wollongong
Mixed Open A: Port Macquarie Makos 6 def. Port Hunter Marauders Player of the Final: Beau Montgomery Port Macquarie
Men’s Open B: Dubbo Devils 14 def. Parkes Pumas 5. Player of the Final: Harry West Dubbo
Mixed Open B: Newcastle City Knights 5 def Forster Tuncurry Tornadoes 4 Player of the Final: Toby Brown Newcastle
Women’s 20: Wagga Vipers 5 def. Nelson Bay Neptunes 2 Player of the Final: Ella McFarlane Wagga
Men’s Seniors (O/30): Wagga Vipers 11 def Orange Thunder 2 Player of the Final: Steve Nicholls Wagga
Women’s Seniors (O/30): Dubbo Devils 4 def Jerrabomberra Storm 3 Player of the Final: Serena Prout Dubbo
Men’s Masters (O/40): Nelson Bay Neptunes 6 def Dubbo Devils 2 Player of the Final: Calvin Mitchell Nelson Bay
Mixed Masters (O/40): Orange Thunder 2 def Parkes Pumas 0 Player of the Final: Mark Waters Orange
Men’s 50: Wollongong Devils 2 def Newcastle City Knights 0 Player of the Final: Mark Hearnden Wollongong
Affiliate Championship
1st Dubbo Devils-75pts
2nd Wollongong Devils-65pts
3rd Wagga Vipers-60pts
For all results of all divisions and competitions please view here
