Kings Park – The Sandy Bay U14G team entered with some players still on the mend from injuries, however primed and ready to take on the Valley RFC in the final after the two teams finished 1st and 2nd respectively in league play. The atmosphere was electric – supporters on both sides were nervous but remained hopeful that their team could pull out a victory.

The action was furious from the start – Sandy Bay immediately applied pressure and advanced the ball into the Valley RFC 22 meter area. Valley’s defense stiffened, however, and pushed back multiple Sandy Bay drives and attempts to cross the tryline. Sandy Bay didn’t despair, but kept the pressure on! Finally, Forward Caroline Skoett exploited a crack in the Valley line and burst over the tryline to put the ball down for a try. Sandy Bay 5-0!

Valley was undeterred and used their speed advantage down the wing to strike back almost immediately with a try down the sideline. Valley continued to show their resolve by securing 2 more tries (1 conversion).

The second half began with Sandy Bay needing to dig deep to get back in the game – Scrum Half Grace Eathorne looked to make it a personal mission to put the team on her back. She was as dynamic a player, as any on the field, dipping and darting past defenders and crossing the line for 2 tries and converting them for 12 second-half Sandy Bay points! Valley didn’t let Eathorne’s brilliance deter them from their Championship goal, and responded with 12 points of their own. Their speed was evident as they broke through the Sandy Bay Defense for long runs down the sideline – and a kick and recover play.

Final Score Sandy Bay 17 – Valley RFC 29. The team gave their all, but wasn’t able to overcome a game Valley side. This doesn’t detract from an overall excellent season from the Sandy Bay team. Prior to the final, they compiled a league record of 6 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw, bringing home the League Champion trophy – all while overcoming numerous injuries. The team looks forward to the 7’s season that is upcoming and the opportunity to continue to get better – and show what Sandy Bay Rugby is all about. Up the Bay!