RL Signs GUB Champs League Women’s Grand Final – Try Boys vs. Sharks
The Try Boys are RL Signs GUB Champs League Women’s Grand Final champions, producing a commanding second-half display to defeat the Sharks 78-65 and cap off a superb season with the ultimate prize.
The contest was tightly fought early, with the Sharks staying within reach through the scoring brilliance of Georgia Varley. The Sharks star led all scorers with 27 points, while Jada Button added 19 to keep her side in the hunt. However, the Try Boys gradually seized control through their balance, depth and relentless offensive tempo.
Jade Chow was outstanding for the victors, finishing with 20 points and delivering a dominant all-round performance in the paint. Whether protecting the rim, controlling the glass or finishing around the basket, Chow provided a constant presence that the Sharks struggled to contain.
Yet it was Game MVP Alisha Knights who ultimately changed the complexion of the game. The floor general scored 17 points and dictated the rhythm throughout, creating opportunities for teammates and sparking two crucial breakaway scores that stretched the margin beyond the Sharks’ reach.
Despite a gallant effort, the Sharks were unable to find their usual depth from Cortney Hollowood and Neve Terpstra. Following the win, Knights paid tribute to her teammates: “We have so many great players. They’re all so versatile and can all shoot the 3, so at any point any one of us can get hot.”
RL Signs GUB Champs League Men’s Preliminary Final – YMCA vs. Try Boys
The Try Boys have claimed the RL Signs GUB Champs League Men’s championship, producing a gritty performance to upset minor premiers YMCA 65-58 in a hard-fought Grand Final.
Facing a YMCA side that entered the decider having lost just one game all season, the Try Boys rose to the occasion behind a spectacular Game MVP performance from Nick Hough. Hough poured in 25 points and came up with several clutch triples, repeatedly finding space beyond the arc to swing momentum in favour of his side when it mattered most.
William Smith provided the perfect support act, adding 18 points and helping the Try Boys maintain offensive pressure throughout a tense contest. Together, the pair spearheaded an upset victory that capped a remarkable finals campaign.
YMCA refused to go away, with Geelong United NBL1 representative Bailey Bruce producing a standout display. Bruce led all scorers with 30 points and carried the offensive load for much of the afternoon. However, the Try Boys’ defensive pressure limited YMCA’s supporting cast, with Kuol Reech contributing eight points and Jack Terrill six as no other player reached double figures.
That lack of secondary scoring ultimately proved costly, as the Try Boys executed down the stretch to secure a memorable 65-58 victory and deny YMCA an almost perfect season. The championship triumph completes one of the competition’s biggest upsets, with the Try Boys toppling the league’s dominant team when it mattered most.
Photo gallery thanks to @lachielamb.photography
