The Kukri Midlands Rugby League Grand Finals Day wrapped up the playing season in fine style in a fun-filled action-packed day at Derby RFC. The weather was again kind and the sun shone as four new sides were crowned champions.
The Under 12s finished their season with a three-way 9-aside competition between Northampton Knights, Birmingham Bulldogs and a Barbarians side made up of players from North Derbyshire Chargers, Coventry Bears and Telford Raiders.
In the group stages, Northampton over came Birmingham in the first game 8 tries to 2. The Barbarians then confirmed Birmingham's early exit from the competition with a 40-4 victory, setting up a thrilling final encounter between the Knights and the Barbarians, which ended 16-28 the way of the Barbarians.
The replay in the final turned the tables, with Northampton narrowly edging past the Barbarians, 8-4 to take the Grand Final trophy.
Telford Raiders U14s continued their unbeaten run into the Grand Final, overcoming Derby City 50-10. Starring for the Raiders was Lewis Hodnett who racked up five tries for the Shropshire side, in a dominant performance. The Raiders efforts in the first half earned them a 20-6 lead at half time, with Hodnett scoring a hat-trick and Joe Richards adding his name to the team sheet. Ross McGinn kicked two of the conversions. Matt Ong kept Derby's hopes alive, with Richard Bowen adding the extras.
Telford continued their domination of the game in the second half, with Hodnett adding a further two scores, with Joe Furlong and Ricky Bailey stretching the lead. Derby's Ed Wayman, also named man of the match, clawed back a consolation try, but the final word went to Raiders Luke Roberts to complete the scoring.
Birmingham Bulldogs U16s avenged their league season defeat by neighbours North East Worcestershire Ravens with an emphatic 28-10 win. The Bulldogs dominated much of the game, with Ryan Millar starring with a hat-trick. The game remained close, with just one Millar try and a Lewis Beaty conversion the difference at half time.
After the break, James Lawless-Fisher extended the lead, with Millar's two tries sandwiching a solo chip and chase effort from Chris Fensome, with Beaty converting three from four. NEW Ravens crossed for some late consolations for impressive centre Alex Flinders and Will Greenwood, with Reuben McKenzie converting the latter.
The men's final served up a treat as a fitting finale to the day. The Chargers scored first through Luke Cocking, with Leigh Sanders converting. Storm hit back through a breakaway try by Jack Powley, with George Leng following up shortly after, allowing Jamie Muggleton to make it 6-10.
Callum Corley added a further try before man of the match Powley cross for his second score, again converted by Muggleton. The Chargers fought back before the break, with forward Sam Hull crashing through the defence, with Sanders adding the extras to make it 12-20. Strong defence ended the half, which saw Demetrius Gonsalves dispatched to the sin bin for a repeated high shots.
Sam Hull's double bought the Chargers a lifeline after half time, Sanders converting the try to move the Chargers within two points. Shortly after, Neil Storey crashed over to move the Chargers back in front, although Sanders missed the conversion.
Things remained tight as Muggleton burst in for the final try of the game, nosing Leicester two points ahead. As the game drew to a close, Gonsalves was again dispatched to the sin bin. Sanders missed the ensuing penalty and thus the opportunity to take the game into extra time, and Leicester ground out the win to take the title.
Congratulations to all teams on contributing to a splendid afternoon of Rugby League.
