The Southern Saints have a shot at becoming the first Premiership side to win back to back titles, after they demolished the Northern Suns by a whopping 121 points in their final round robin game.
In what was an even first quarter, the Suns and Saints both found the scoreboard early on. Suns Captain Ben Hick was leading from the front, while Josh Morgan-Ranui was putting in the hard yards around the contest.
Only 2 goals up at quarter time, Saints Coach, Sean Mayes layed down the challenge to his group to stamp their name on the game. The Saints came out firing in the second term kicking 5 goals to none. Justin Du Toit and Alex Fakatoumafi were strong on attack in the forward line, while Nico Donnell-Brown and Kiko Hibbs were working hard in defence.
The third quarter was much of the same as the Saints backline held the Suns goal less again, while the midfield trio of Michael Boyce, Dale Johnson and Carlos Donnell-Brown were running riot.
As the Suns ran out of gas, the Saints put the foot on the throat and kicked another 6 goals in the final quarter to record the 121 point win and secure a spot in the 2021 Premiership Grand Final.
The Grand Final will be contested by the Southern Saints and Central Giants on Sunday, April 18th at 2.30pm at North Harbour Stadium.
The hero:
Carlos Donnell-Brown was in superb form in the middle of the ground and was instrumental in moving the ball forward. The midfielder has had a consistent season and has been one of the Saints best in nearly every game.
The support cast:
Justin Du Toit produced his best game of the year. The full forward finished the game with 2 goals but it was his support play which set the tone for the game.
The consolation effort:
Josh Morgan-Ranui had a phenomenal game for the Suns in a losing effort. Back playing in the Premiership after a stint in Melbourne, Josh has made a big impact this season and was clearly their best.
Say what?
“Our backs played a great game today, Kiko Hibbs and Nico Donnell-Brown don’t get mentioned much but I thought they were great today.” Sean Mayes, Saints Head Coach.
“It was a sad way to finish the season but I thought that Oliver Giamblanco and Trigger Benjamin both had their best games of the season. All the best to the Saints and Giants in the final” Ben Hick, Northern Suns.
Goal Scorers:
Southern Saints: George Read 5, Alex Fakatoumafi 3, Mackenzie Telford 2, Justin Du Toit 2, Dale Johnson 2, Michael Boyce 2, Carlos Donnell-Brown 2, Josh Robles 1, Jarrad Watkins 1
Northern Suns: Heta Scarf-Matthews 1, Luke Dunning 1
Best on ground:
Southern Saints: Justin Du Toit
Northern Suns: Josh Morgan-Ranui
