The Shepparton Bulls playing group and supporters celebrate the title win.
Photo by
Merv Dannefaerd
Shepparton Bulls further cemented their status as a Victorian rugby power with their third consecutive Championship Division premiership.
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The Bulls, playing only their second game in six weeks and coming off a physical semi-final win, faced a highly fancied Southern Districts at Box Hill Rugby Club in Saturday’s decider.
Unsurprisingly, Shepparton's propensity for a grand final thriller came to the fore once again as destiny awaited the back-to-back champions.
Kitione Seruisavou’s try and conversion with five minutes left on the clock fired the Bulls to a game-winning 17-13 advantage, after tries to Taniela Veanaiafu and Ezrrah Waqalevu kept the Bulls in the game.
This came after Southern District’s captain Matia Vibote’s early score and Jovesa Lutunasiga’s try just after half-time, as the Pirates’ powerful forwards and backline pace had the Bulls under the pump early.
But the Shepparton faithful were in full voice, and Moronae Silaga’s men held firm in the thrilling, dying stages of yet another classic grand final, and a clearing kick close to the whistle confirmed Shepparton’s reward – a third consecutive title.
“We believe in ourselves and our team, and we’re grateful for the hard work,” Silaga said.
“That’s something we believe in, the hard work – and it always pays off.”
Shepparton co-captains Samuela Waqarerevaki (left) and Veaneiafu Veamatahau lift the shield.
Photo by
Merv Dannefaerd
It didn’t take long for Shepparton to get into its groove after the tough early stanza, with Veanaiafu’s reply coming not long after, while Samuela Waqarerevaki backed up his semi-final heroics with some slick play up and down the pitch.
The second half saw a return to the game style that had epitomised Shepparton’s time at the top of the division, and was best epitomised by eventual best-on-ground Alo Paulo Faitasi.
“He really helped the boys out, taking the pressure off them and the pressure on Southern Districts,” Silaga said.
“Samuela Waqarerevaki worked really hard on defence and attack; he’s just an amazing player to watch.”
The four-point win continues the recent trend of tight grand final finishes, after lifting the shield in a come-from-behind win over Geelong last year and a one-point heart-stopper against Kiwi Hawthorn in 2023.
The significance of the result wasn’t lost on a proud Shepparton playing group and supporter base in Box Hill.
And especially not on its coach.
“The boys said this was a tough one,” Silaga said.
“We didn’t have 11 players from the last two years; we had some new players come in, as well as some of last year’s reserves.
“All these young fellas came into the group ... and they showed they belong in the first grade.”
Shepparton’s reserve XV also had a shot at premiership glory after finishing as minor premiers, facing the Brimbank Bucks.
Viliame Liga crossed the line twice for Shepparton, with tries also to David Nasaunivalu and Jovilisi Kacilala.
The Bucks proved a class above, however, in a momentum-swinging 80 minutes that saw them lift the reserves shield 31-22.
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