September 10, 2012
Cherbourg cast away any doubts that they’re eager to win the 2012 A Grade rugby league premiership with a decisive 78-4 thumping of the Blackbutt Timbertowners in the sudden-death final played at Cherbourg on Sunday.
The Hornets dominated possession and showed their usual flair in attack despite Nigel Williams not being on the paddock.
But they also gave away penalties, particularly in the early stages of the match, which allowed the Timbertowners to make some easy yards although their failed to capitalise on the opportunities presented.
Dropped ball by Blackbutt at critical points hurt their cause.
Peter Carlo opened the scoring for Cherbourg after just three minutes. His try was quickly followed by tries to Cecil Sullivan, Robert Miller, Carl Aubrey (twice – although even he seemed surprised by one of them), Thomas Simpson and Carl Aubrey (again).
With the score at 38-0, and just four minutes left in the half, Blackbutt finally opened their account. Shannon Smallwood, who often looked dangerous in attack, managed to cross the line in the corner.
The difficult kick was unsuccessful – and that was that for the Timbertowners for 2012.
The half-time score was 44-4 after Cecil Sullivan scored right on the half-time siren and Fred Aubrey’s kick was on target.
The second half was all Hornets: George Fisher opened the scoring just one minute after kick-off. This was followed by tries to Carl Aubrey, Fred Aubrey, Cyril Georgetown, Trevor Davidson and Cecil Sullivan.
With eight minutes left on the clock, Carl Aubrey crossed for his fifth try for the match. The kick was good and the score was 78-4.
Blackbutt never stopped trying and were playing with pride, but it was too little, much too late.
Cherbourg will now meet the only team that has troubled them all season, the Kingaroy Red Ants, in the Grand Final which will be played on Saturday at Nanango.
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(Photo: Helen Schaffer)
Kingaroy Red Ants are the 2012 Premiers in the very competitive Bundaberg U18s competition after defeating Across The Waves 18-16 in a very close match at Salter Oval in Bundaberg this morning.
At half-time the scores were locked at 12-all.
Try scorers for Kingaroy were Scott Evans, Brayden Boston and Jake Buchholz. Marcus Jensen kicked two goals, and Scott Evans one.
The Red Ants had finished third on the ladder going into the finals.
The Grand Final victory tops off a great year for Red Ants player Chris Ostwald who last month was named 2012 Under 18 Player of the Year in the Bundaberg competition.
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Results
NB. All Grand Finals will be played at Nanango next Saturday
A Grade Preliminary Final (at Cherbourg on Sunday)
Cherbourg 78, Blackbutt 4
Cherbourg will play Kingaroy in the Grand Final at 3:30pm
U16s Preliminary Final (at Mundubbera on Saturday)
Central Burnett defeated Cherbourg
Central Burnett will play Kingaroy in the Grand Final at 12:30pm
U14s Preliminary Final (at Mundubbera on Saturday)
Central Burnett 41, Cherbourg 32
Central Burnett will play Nanango in the Grand Final at 11:00am
U12s Preliminary Final (at Mundubbera on Saturday)
Murgon defeated Cherbourg
Murgon will play Kingaroy in the Grand Final at 9:30am
In addition, the two South Burnett U18s sides, Kingaroy and Murgon, will play at 2:00pm.
[UPDATED match times]
