RL Signs GUB Champs League Women’s Preliminary Final – YMCA vs. Sharks
Reigning champions Sharks have stormed into another RL Signs GUB Champs League Women’s Grand Final, producing a commanding performance to defeat minor premiers YMCA 84-61 in the Preliminary Final.
After finishing atop the ladder, YMCA’s title hopes came to an abrupt end as the Sharks controlled the contest from start to finish, winning every quarter and never allowing their opponents to gain momentum.
Cortney Hollowood was outstanding for the Sharks, pouring in a game-high 25 points, while Jada Button added 21 and Georgia Varley contributed 16 in a balanced offensive display. Their relentless pressure and experience proved too much for YMCA throughout the night.
Despite the loss, YMCA continued to fight behind GUB Big V Youth League duo Taylah Richards and Harmony Parker, who scored 22 and 21 points respectively. However, the absence of several key players, including injured star Aleks Connolly, left the minor premiers short of their usual depth and firepower.
The Sharks now advance to a blockbuster Grand Final against Try Boys, setting up a fascinating clash between a rising contender and a champion side peaking at exactly the right time.
RL Signs GUB Champs League Men’s Preliminary Final – Try Boys vs. Pivot City
Try Boys have secured their place in next week’s RL Signs GUB Champs League Men’s Grand Final, powering away from Pivot City for an impressive 88-71 Preliminary Final victory.
Despite Pivot City taking an early three-point quarter-time lead, Try Boys quickly wrestled control of the contest and never looked back. Their relentless offensive pressure and ability to capitalize on key moments saw the margin steadily grow as the game wore on, with a dominant second half sealing a convincing 17-point win.
MVP contender Nick Hough once again delivered on the big stage, finishing with a game-high 29 points. He was superbly supported by Rohan Jarvie with 25 points and Seb Thomason with 22, as the trio combined for 76 of Try Boys’ 88 points.
Pivot City battled hard throughout and had five of their seven players reach double figures. Harry Moran led the way with 18 points, while Marach Marach added 16 and Ethan Blythe 15 in a brave team effort.
The victory sets up a blockbuster grand final between the competition’s top two teams. Although YMCA defeated Try Boys by 14 points in last week’s qualifying final, momentum is firmly with Try Boys as they chase championship glory.
