Associates and Wanneroo both beat Palmyra teams to claim men’s and women’s Premier Grade titles

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Associates and Wanneroo both beat Palmyra teams to claim men’s and women’s Premier Grade titles

Associates have held on to deny Palmyra a second consecutive men’s Premier Grade title, prevailing 21-19 at Hartfield Reserve to claim the shield for the first time since 2018.

A furious fightback from Associates, after they had trailed 12-0 with one minute left in the first half, followed by an excellent defensive showing down the stretch was enough for them to upset the ladder-leaders.

Western Force great Ian Prior’s perfect record from the tee proved the difference, with both teams running in three tries but Jack Grooby only able to convert two of his attempts.

Kitan Ojo had given Palmyra a 5-0 lead with a 12th minute try on the wing, before Hanley Setu extended Palmyra’s advantage with a converted try under the posts at the 30-minute mark.

But Associates hit back just before the break, when Harrison Webster’s pass picked out captain Dean Taylor-Menzies to plunge over the line and reduce the deficit at half-time.

The western suburbs outfit continued to knock on the door and after a sustained ******* of pressure inside the 22, took the lead through Sam Meecham’s try in the 54th minute.

And seven minutes later, they pushed their buffer to 21-12 through a converted Justin Landman try after a great Taylor-Menzies pass to make it 21 unanswered points.

Camera IconWanneroo celebrate the 2024 RugbyWA women’s Premier Grade title. Credit: Phil Hevron/www.championsportsphotography.co

With 11 minutes to go, Potu Leavasa’s try set up a grandstand finish to bring Palmyra within two points, but they were unable to find the extra points needed to topple Associates.

It came as Wanneroo backed up their minor premiership with a 20-8 win — also over Palmyra — in the women’s grand final.

An early try from Wanneroo’s Ai Dickson made it 5-0 early, before Kendra Fell’s penalty reduced the margin.

Shaine Kani snaffled a try after a strong forward push following a line-out, before Majesty Pomare streaked away to make it 15-3 in Wanneroo’s favour at the break.

Pomare continued her excellent game and bagged her second try after Palmyra’s Juraea Turner received a yellow card, and while Palmyra hit back through Zarah Suamili, it was too little too late.

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