RL Signs GUB Champs League Women’s Finals Wrap – Week 1
Week 1 of the RL Signs GUB Champs League Women’s Finals delivered two thrilling contests, with Try Boys and Sharks taking important steps towards championship glory.
In the Qualifying Final, second-placed Try Boys secured a second consecutive victory over minor premiers YMCA, edging out the ladder leaders 54-52 in a gripping contest. Sienna Quinlan produced a standout performance, pouring in 28 points to lead the winners, while Summer Field added 13 in a valuable supporting role. YMCA were forced to do it without Aleks Connolly, but Harmony Parker stepped up in remarkable fashion, finishing with a game-high 42 points and accounting for more than 80 per cent of her team’s total. Despite Parker’s heroics, Try Boys held their nerve late to book a direct path to the Grand Final.
The Elimination Final saw Sharks stamp themselves as genuine title contenders with a commanding 103-67 win over Wildcats. Reigning MVP Georgia Varley was sensational with 41 points, while Neve Terpstra (26) and Cortney Hollowood (21) provided plenty of offensive firepower. Charlotte Armstrong led Wildcats with 20 points, with Lily King contributing 17.
Try Boys now advance straight to the Grand Final, while YMCA and Sharks will clash in next week’s Preliminary Final for the remaining championship berth.
RL Signs GUB Champs League Men’s Final Wrap – Week 1
Week 1 of the RL Signs GUB Champs League Men’s Finals delivered a pair of high-quality contests, with YMCA and Pivot City moving one step closer to championship success.
Minor premiers YMCA underlined why they finished on top of the ladder, producing a strong all-round performance to defeat Try Boys 83-69 in the Qualifying Final. YMCA set the tone early and maintained control throughout, with Bailey Bruce leading the charge with a game-high 24 points. Jackson Talbot added 20 points, while Alexander van der Klooster contributed 17 in a balanced offensive display. To their credit, Try Boys refused to go away, with Seb Thomason (20 points), Nick Hough (18) and William Smith (13) keeping the pressure on despite the result.
The Elimination Final provided a much tighter battle, with Pivot City overcoming CC Eagles 61-56. Ethan Blythe starred for the winners with a game-high 25 points, while Marach Marach (14) and Jordan O’Leary (12) provided valuable support. Keegan Johnson led the Eagles with 17 points, while Liam McInerney added 16, but a lack of depth late proved costly as Pivot City finished stronger.
YMCA now advance directly to the Grand Final on September 15, while Try Boys and Pivot City will meet in next week’s Preliminary Final to determine their championship challenger.
