The Burleigh Bears completed a near perfect Rugby League Gold Coast A Grade season by defeating Southport Tigers 30-12 in the grand final at Pizzey Park.
After dominating the field all year, the Bears were able to deliver when it mattered most and prove they have simply been a cut above in 2019.
Darius Farmer was a standout with two tries, while the likes of George House, Conner Toia and Matt Egan all benefited greatly from the platform laid by the men in the middle.
Jordan Scott was also electric and earned the player of the match award for a brilliant performance.
It was Burleigh’s 18th win of the season to go along with a draw and just one loss. They finished 11-points clear at the top of the competition ladder.
With wins in 2015 and 2017, the Bears have now won three of the past five grand finals, with Matt Foster coaching them to victory in 2015 and 2019.
Having played just once since August 18, the Bears could have been forgiven for a slow start, but instead got away to a flyer thanks to a Regan Muir Ogle try in just the 3rd minute.
Southport levelled the scores in the 25th minute when they went to the right and found Jaleel Seve-Derbas in space.
With halftime looming, Toia showed a touch of class with a perfectly weighted grubber kick sitting up for Farmer to score his first try, giving the Bears a converted try lead at the break.
The Bears kicked away in the second half, with Matt Egan taking the line on and burrowing to the line to score in the 48th minute.
A 55th minute penalty goal was followed by Farmer’s second try, which saw the big back rower charging through three defenders to extend the lead to 24-6.
Southport did their best to peg back the lead and found a late try to Denzel Ngati who crashed over from close range, but a runaway try to George House slammed the door on any potential comeback.
Earlier in the day, Mudgeeraba Redbacks won a thrilling Reserve Grade grand final, 20-16 over Tugun, while Currumbin Eagles claimed the Under 20 title with a 14-6 win over Burleigh.
* Image courtesy of Wayne Court Photography
