Coach appreciates support on Father’s Day after losing his dad

During a difficult time for Wayne Finch and his family, the club he loves rallied around him. See how the A-Grade side weathered a storm to secure a wonderful final victory.

Proud Swifts supporter Bill Finch was remembered with a special win on Father’s Day.

With a tear in his eye, Swifts legend Wayne Finch had every reason to be emotional.

The Swifts A-Grade coach had just lost his supportive father Bill preparing for Sunday’s Rugby League Ipswich qualifying final with the Ipswich Jets.

Being Father’s Day reminded Wayne of how important his dad was.

But during a difficult time for Wayne and his family, the club he loves rallied around him led by the A-Grade side.

The competition-leading Bluebirds provided a fitting tribute to Bill by weathering an early storm against the Ipswich Jets before winning 38-16 at the North Ipswich Reserve.

“The boys played for dad today,’’ Wayne said, outside a dressing room rich in club spirit.

A minute’s silence was observed before the A-Grade final to honour Bill.

Bill didn’t play football but provided a tower of encouragement.

“He supported me and Tommy, my brother,’’ Wayne said.

“He loved his footy mate, especially Swifts.’’

Swifts coach Wayne Finch endured an emotional Father’s Day. Picture: Bruce Clayton

The Swifts head coach appreciated what his team delivered on a tough day for him and his family. But the extra effort scarcely surprised him.

“We’re a family here. We’ve got a beautiful team,’’ the Swifts stalwart said.

“I’m blessed mate, beautiful people.’’

Swifts had only led 6-4 at halftime as the competition’s two best attacking teams engaged in a tremendous defensive battle.

However, the coach was relieved after his team got the job done in the second half having not played a game for six weeks.

“Especially with that break and everything, we didn’t know what to expect,’’ Finch said.

“The boys really turned up so I can’t be more prouder of them.

“Our defence won them the game in that first half.

“We knew if we got some quality ball in the second half, we’d be able to score tries.

“We knew it would turn.’’

Swifts advance directly to the grand final on September 19.

“We have worked hard all year and want to go all the way,’’ Finch said.

The Jets have a second chance to qualify in next Sunday’s preliminary final against a buoyant Brothers side that outclassed Norths 66-10 a week earlier.

The Swifts tries were shared around as usual with fullback Godfrey Okot and winger Ratu Vatiunaruku as dangerous as ever.

“Ratu, on one leg (with a heavily strapped left knee), was amazing,’’ Finch said.

In a superb team performance, the coach also praised his forwards led by prop Paetou Samatua up the middle.

“People just don’t realise how much work he does,’’ Finch said.

Lock Derek Hempoo added a try scoring double to the tally in the second half as Swifts clicked up a gear.

Jets winger Sam Langbein dives in for the first try of the Rugby League Ipswich A-Grade qualifying final. Picture: Bruce Clayton

The Jets continued to work hard after the break with powerhouse Dominic Macumboy crossing for a double after Sam Langbein’s first-half try.

However, the Swifts defence was ultimately too committed, leaving the second-placed Jets facing a showdown with Brothers in their quest to reach the grand final.

“It will be a good game. Good luck to both sides,’’ Finch said.

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