Semi-final results: SG Ball, Harold Matts, Tarsha Gale grand finalists confirmed

The Raiders survived a stunning fightback by the Sea Eagles to secure a spot in the SG Ball grand final, while there were two big upsets in the Tarsha Gale Cup.

The Raiders celebrate their semi-final win against Manly. Picture: Tim Hunter

It was a gruelling finish, but the Canberra Raiders managed to survive a Manly Sea Eagles comeback to win their semi-final 20-18 and book their spot in the SG Ball grand final.

Caleb Esera, Toby Thorburn and Deakin Bright crossed in the first 10 minutes to give the Raiders a comfortable early lead.

But the Sea Eagles quickly bounced back via a Daniel O’Donnell double. Fullback Kaeo Weekes scored a brilliant four-pointer in the second half and prop James Uesele was damaging throughout.

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The final 31 minutes were scrappy, exhausting and thrilling. Canberra led by just two points as Manly threatened to steal the match. In the end, the Raiders held on — but only just.

“It took every single player, they were going to our left, right through the middle. The boys were under a lot of fatigue in the second half, but they continued to turn up for each other” Raiders coach Ash Barnes said.

The Raiders hung on for a spot in the SG Ball grand final. Picture: Tim Hunter

“At the start of the game, our middles were dominant, Trey Mooney and Caleb Esera set a great platform for Toby Thorburn to play off. Fullback Jack Sandford came up with some fantastic efforts in defence that saved a number of tries.”

Canberra will face Illawarra in the grand final next weekend.

Steelers five-eighth Junior Amone scored a hat-trick and fullback Tyrell Sloan bagged a double in the club’s 42-32 semi-final win over the Sydney Roosters.

HAROLD MATTS CUP

Mates became enemies for 60 minutes in Blacktown, as Parramatta and Penrith fought for a spot in the grand final with Manly.

It was always going to be close — both sides are stacked with talent and the kids know each other well through footy and school.

First-half tries to Eels winger Suliasi Aho and Panthers hooker Billy Scott had the scoreboard locked up 4-4 at half time. But it was Parramatta who showed greater composure, as Joshua Alhazim and Yehya Ayache crossed to seal the deal for their side.

“Charlie Guymer was probably the best on the park today,” Eels Elite Pathways Coaching Director Joey Grima said. “Also Patrick Spence who had some really good carries, catching the ball on the foul and getting sets started.”

Latu Fainu starred in Manly’s big win against the Magpies. Picture: Bryden Sharp

Meanwhile, brothers Latu and Samuela Fainu were unstoppable in Manly’s 32-12 win over the Magpies at Leichhardt Oval.

“Big Sam, he led that middle third for us, we moved forward off the back of him,” Sea Eagles coach Adam McEwen said.

“And Latu comes up with special plays, he’s the only one in the competition who can do those things. But it’s his effort too, he chases kicks, he’s prepared to do all the little things.”

Skipper Josh Feledy crossed twice to extend his season tally to a whopping 19 tries.

“Josh finishes half chances, as captain of the team I couldn‘t be prouder of him,” McEwen said. “Some of the boys joke that it’s pretty easy when he’s got Latu inside him, but Josh works hard, he’s got great speed, all the attributes of a first-class player.”

TARSHA GALE CUP

If you missed the Dragons v Knights semi-final, residents of Mary Street can fill you in. Chorus’ of “When the Saints go marching in” rang across Leichhardt Oval as St George ambushed the minor premiers 26-10.

It was a similar story for the Sydney Roosters, who upset the Illawarra Steelers 22-4 in Blacktown. Centre Iesha Duckett and hooker Taneka Todhunter spearheaded the Chooks’ attack.

“(Todhunder) played the whole game at hooker, defensively she’s really strong. She was fast out of dummy half and made great decisions,” Roosters coach Blake Cavallaro said. “Iesha made strong carries and good defensive reads, but also jumped into the middle.”