The scene is set for a mouthwatering Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup Grand Final between Collegians and Thirroul after the Butchers defeated De La Salle 24-16 in the Preliminary Final on Saturday at Collegians Sporting Complex.
The Butchers will go into the decider as the underdogs with a 0-3 record this season against their opponents, Collegians, but will be buoyed by two strong performances in the finals after finishing the regular season in fourth spot. Meanwhile, the defending premiers have been patiently waiting for their opponents after cruising through their major-semi final win 24-6 over De La two weeks back.
Scoring five tries to three, the Butchers were out of the gate early, establishing a 16-0 lead in the Prelim Final before De La Salle hit back with their first just before the break.
The Butchers extended the lead early in the second stanza with a try to centre Cooper Bowen. Their path to the decider looked to have become a little more challenging when Bowen spent time in the sin bin; however, they posted their 5th try for a 26-6 lead while a man down.
De La struck back with late tries to Jazz Flavel and Cain Barnes to reduce the deficit. Still, it was all in vain, as the Butchers faithful had already begun to dream of their first title in a decade.
All eyes will be on the classy fullback Wayne Bremner, who limped from the field with a knee injury, as he races the clock to be fit for the decider, his last game before hanging up the boots.
While Bremner exited the game early, his 2015 Helensburgh premiership-winning partner in crime, Jarrod Boyle, played a leading hand in the win.
The minor premiers curse struck again this year with De La Salle bowing out of the Finals Series, just as the Butchers did last season, in straight sets after heading into the Finals with seven wins on the trot.
Match Centre>>Thirroul V De La Salle Prelim Final
Lower grade wrap
In the lower grades, Corrimal Cougars defeated Collegians in First Division to advance to their first reserve grade Grand Final in 40 years. The Cougars finished fourth in the regular season and will now play minor premiers Wests in the big dance.
The Butchers got the better of Wests 28-20 to advance to the U18s Grand Final, where they will meet minor premiers Collegians.
Avondale will meet the undefeated Berkeley in the Harrigan Shield decider after accounting for Figtree 17-14.
Illawarra Rugby League Grand Finals | Saturday 2 September | WIN Stadium, Wollongong
- Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup – Collegians v Thirroul | 3pm
- Mojo Homes First Division – Wests v Corrimal | 1:15pm
- Harrigan Shield (2nd Division) – Berkeley v Avondale | 11:30am
- Mojo Homes Under 18’s – Collegians v Thirroul | 9:45am