It’s only two years since the Lennox Head Dolphins and the Devils merged at Junior level, but on Saturday at the Tweed Seagulls’ ground, they found themselves in their first grand final against Goup 18 heavyweights, Bilambil.
They were in it up to their necks until the final siren, falling short of the ultimate prize 22–20.
As first-timers in the coaching-training roles, first-graders Sam ‘Dolly’ Dwyer and Joey ‘the Senator’ McCarthy were more tense than their charges as kick-off drew nearer.
The boys themselves, who had beaten Bilambil in their first clash in the 15th round comp but fallen to them in their recent semi, displayed all of the nerves and anxiety that you would expect from kids their age – which is to say, they had none.
The shed was full of good cheer and excitement, with only the old blokes in attendance exhibiting any indication of being affected by the occasion.
The game itself was an absolute cracker – it’s just a pity that the ref wanted to be such a big part of it.
With all the ball and a territorial advantage, Bilambil scored first, but Lennox-Byron soon found their feet.
Jedd Windle and Jasper Graham nabbed a couple of meat pies before oranges and when five-eighth Desmond Ferguson ran a mile after taking an intercept, they were ahead 16–10. Bilambil struck back with a last-minute try to Will James, to win.
It was a game of the highest quality, played hard but in a sporting spirit, with every member of the Lennox-Byron mob contributing to the team effort.
The year may have been a Joe Cocker for the Red Devils’ A-graders, but with juniors such as these the future is bright. Well played, boys, and good onya, Dolly and the Senator.