The Mullumbimby Moonshiners rugby union team has claimed the 2016 reserve grade championship after beating the Ballina Seahorses 20–17 in the grand final last Saturday afternoon.
In first-grade grand final the Byron Rugby team lost to the Wollongbar-Alstonville Pioneers 14–8, after leading for much of the game.
It was a tough loss for the team that has dominated the competition for much of the season.
The win for the Mullumbimby Reserves was a result of hard work and superior fitness and brought to an end ‘a lean period of roughly 10 years,’ according to team manager Nick Bird.
‘We were the better team on the day, physically fitter,’ he said, ‘despite the team’s youth and lack of experience in big matches.’
The Moonshiners took an early lead in the game played at Lismore’s Crozier Park, but Ballina soon fought back and went to the break ahead 17–12.
The Mullum side showed their mettle and scored a try to even the scores, before moving into the lead through the penalty boot of Corey Jolly with less than ten minutes to play.
Mullumbimby spent the last period in high defensive mode and were able to keep a determined Ballina at bay.
Better fitness and hunger on the day were also due to the efforts of the coaching staff, Satuala Siamoa and Stuart Coleman, Nick said.
‘They moulded them into a good team, and were able to get the best out of each player,’ he said.
The result also reflected the effort all the players put in through a long season and a commitment to training.
It was also gratifying that plenty in the team had made their way up though the junior ranks, he said.
The Bay falls at final hurdle
In the first grade final Byron scored a try and converted a penalty to lead at the break 8–7, after the Pioneers scored an early converted try.
The game remained locked in an intense contest for much of the second half until the Wollongbar side was able to capitalise on a loose ball and runaway to score the decisive try.
Despite a renewed effort from the forward pack Byron couldn’t find a way through the Pioneers’ defence to claim the points they needed to bring home their first premiership trophy.