Cougars and Pirates stamp their ticket to the big dance
The DRU grand finals are locked in after nailbiting finals action at Rugby Park. Stay up to date on all the action.
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Week 2 of the DRU finals competition is done and dusted and our 2024 grand finals are booked in.
From minor champs being knocked out for the second straight season to a last minute scare, catch up on the weekend’s action here.
ALL THE WINNERS FROM THE 2024 NTRU ERIC JOHNSTON AWARDS
Week 2 Recaps
Casuarina Cougars 15 def. 6 University Pirates (B-grade)
University have bounced-out in straight sets for the second time in a row despite their minor premiership status, out muscled by a dogged Casuarina outfit.
Tyreece Pott opened the scoring for Cougars in the 14th minute after a lovely kick and regather before Nick Cramp doubled their advantage with a close-range try.
Pirates flyer Stylianos Vrontos closed the gap with two quickfire penalties with Liam Pollard adding another three points to Cougars’ tally for a 15-6 halftime score.
The second half finished scoreless with missed chances from both sides highlighted by a Pirates knock-on at the death, Casuarina running out nine-point victors and booking a ticket to face Swampdogs in next week’s big dance.
University Pirates 12 def. 5 Casuarina Cougars (Women)
In a scoreline that flattered the winners, it was the Pirates who came out victorious after a very physical 40 minute affair.
Despite University crossing for the first points of the day early in the half off the back of some brutal forward runs, it was the Cougars who controlled the tempo for the majority of the half.
However despite Casuarina’s numerous chances in great field position, University’s defensive resolve stood firm, leaving the score 7-0 at the half.
Following some brilliant goal line defence and penalties in their favour, Casuarina’s Lavinia Norris crossed under the sticks, putting her side on the board with 12 minutes left to play.
University would fire back minutes later after a successful scrum, and held on to their lead until the final whistle, booking a major-semi rematch with the Dragons this Saturday.
“Our eyes have always been on the grand final, but we knew that we’d have our work cut out for us,” Pirates’ captain Sharron Jennings said.
“Ideally, we would’ve hoped to have had more points on the board after the first half, but that’s a testament to Casuarina who worked their backsides off, they really made us work for the win.
“Now we will rest and get ready for the big dance against the Dragons next weekend.”
Casuarina Cougars 17 def. 11 South Darwin Rabbitohs (A-grade)
Narrowly avoiding the upset of the year, Casuarina held on until the final play in a very scrappy and mistake-riddled performance.
The Bunnies got on the score board first courtesy of a penalty goal, and held a 3-0 lead for just two minutes, until Cougars’ ‘Ice man’ executed his signature chip-and-chase, that resulted in Simaika Salaa picking up the bouncing ball and crossing near the sticks.
Following a Waisale Lacabuka try in the left corner on the halftime siren, Casuarina took a narrow 10-3 lead into the break.
Souths slotted another three-pointer early on in the second half, and eventually re-took the lead with 14 minutes to go after a wide open Jacob Rainger caught a rugby league style cross-field kick on the left flank.
Casuarina fired back moments later after a quick restart, and Crowley kicked his first of the night to put his side up 17-11 with eight to go.
In the end, the defending champions’ goal line defensive work in the dying stages of the game saved their season and booked their ticket to Saturday’s decider.
“Finals are all about moments,” Cougars’ captain and 2024 Eric Johnston Medal winner Alani Malupo said.
“We got over the line in the end but we didn’t capitalise on moments when we should have.
“We made a lot of technical errors particularly on our lineouts and during scrums, both of which made us lose possession and become fatigued.
“But we managed to fight to the win and now we are going to enjoy the moment and get right back into it ahead of our clash with University.”
Week 2 Previews
B-GRADE:
University Pirates vs. Casuarina Cougars (Field 1, 4.30pm)
Pirates –
University will be back with a vengeance as they seek a second shot at the grand final fresh off their last minute defeat at the hands of Swampdogs in Week 1.
Arguably the most complete defensive outfit in the league, the Pirates will need to continue this form against Casuarina’s dangerous attack.
Keep an eye out for Stylianos Vrontos (if he’s playing), Ben Dorahy and Hugh Harbeck.
Cougars –
The Cougars were firing on all cylinders, except discipline, in their win over the Roos last weekend.
They will need to bring the same level of intensity if they’re any chance of toppling University.
With five wins from their last six outings, Casuarina are more than capable of the upset, as long as Asiveli Rauga, Liam Pollard and Noah Batty can parry their regular season form.
WOMEN:
University Pirates vs. Casuarina Cougars (Field 1, 6.15pm)
Pirates –
University will be bringing a lot of positivity and belief into this weekend’s clash after taking the Dragons to extra-time last week.
The ‘best of the rest’ for the majority of the season, the Pirates will need to maintain the same level of determination and effort they displayed against Darwin into the game, and limit the impact of Casuarina’s pacy outside backs.
Expect the Pirates to truck it up through the middle with their very big and effective forward pack.
Players to watch for will be Holly Lovatt, Crystal and Paige McCourt and Sharon Jennings.
Cougars –
The Cougars will be looking to extended their streak to four wins in a row after defeating the Bunnies to the tune of 19-14 last weekend.
Casuarina will need to bring their A-game, and capitalise on their speed., as they’re a smaller side physically, particularly upfront.
They currently have one draw and two losses to the Pirates through the regular season,
Players to watch include Laura Luchetti, Davida (Dede) Norris and Amy Fisher.
A-GRADE:
Casuarina Cougars vs. South Darwin Rabbitohs (Field 1, 7.30pm)
Cougars –
The Cougars are looking to keep their championship hopes alive and remedy their heartbreaking loss to the Pirates in the semi.
Expect Casuarina to come out all-guns-blazing, imposing themselves early on through their middle after reportedly training the house down all week.
Casuarina fell foul of some brain-fades last weekend; but if can limit these self imposed mistakes, they will make the contest very difficult for Souths.
Keep an eye on fullback Trey Crowley, fly-half Kieran Danovaro and Mathew Travers upfront.
Rabbitohs –
The Bunnies have nothing to lose and everything to play for with luck on their side after winning in contentious fashion last weekend.
While not possessing the same level of threat in attack, they do have a number of players capable of seizing the moment namely, Kanae Gimini, Joe Sorowale and Vilimoni Matainadroga.
And in terms of defence, while it will be a struggle to limit Casuarina, if they play clean and don’t force the issue in their own end, they’ll be in the fight.
WEEK 1 Recaps
Darwin Dragons 36 def. 17 University Pirates (Women)
Keeping their three-year unbeaten run alive, the Darwin women knocked off a very hearty University outfit under the hot sun.
The top two sides went hammer and tongs for the full match, so much so that extra time was needed to separate the two.
An even contest for the entirety of the game, a late seven pointer levelled the score at full time, 17 a piece.
Thus, the sides had to stick to their guns for a final 10 minute stretch in a bid to book their grand final ticket.
From the off, it was evident that fatigue had started to set in for both outfits, however it was the individual brilliance of Ellie Niki who picked up a University clearance at halfway and ran through the entire Pirates side solo, put the Dragons in front.
A second heroic try in the second half of extra time proved too much for University to recover from, sending the reigning champions into yet another decider.
“University have been our toughest competition all year and this game was no different,” Dragons captain Bianca Scrymgour said.
“So up against a tough side with a 3.45pm timeslot made it a very difficult game all around.
“Their forward pack was brilliant and gave it to us all game.
“We had some great performances out of a number of girls, but when they scored that try just before the full time siren and kicked the conversion to level, it was definitely not what we had in mind.
“So playing those extra two five-minute halves made the game that much more physically draining.”
Acknowledging that her side had the talent to best University, the captain said that belief was what ultimately got her side over the line.
“We knew we had the ability to win if we stuck to what we’d been training for and we knew that we’d prepared for everything,” she said.
“It was a great win and we are into the final, so we can’t ask for much more than that.”
University Pirates 36 def. 34 Casuarina Cougars (A-grade)
In a battle of the heavyweights, it was the Pirates who came out victorious, knocking off the defending champs with an after the siren winner.
In a battle for the ages, University bested their old foe in an enthralling contest to the tune of two points in a 36 to 34 scoreline.
Right out of the gates, it was evident for all those in attendance that both Casuarina and University weren’t going to hold anything back.
University crossed the paint first after a Cougar lineout error saw the Pirates pounce on a depleted Casuarina back line.
Although, only a matter of moments late, University produced a mistake of their own during a lineout, with the resulting penalty seeing the cats crash under the sticks to level the score 7-7.
Going tit-for-tat for the rest of the half, the score was locked 20-all at the half.
The second 40 was hardly as frantic as the first, however both sides had ample opportunities to get on the scoreboard.
And it was University off the back of a roving maul courtesy of their own line out, that saw them cross in the 63rd minute, after they drove 20 metres to the line with ease, as Casuarina backed off the play, in hopes of receiving a penalty that never came.
Hitting back with a try of their own moments later, Casuarina’s Asiveli Rauga carved through the Pirates’ for a 50m solo try.
Casuarina then took the lead for the first time in the match in the 76th after successfully slotting a penalty from the right touchline to go up 34-33.
But their run of good fortune ran out after they were pinged for two penalties in the final two minutes, with the latter being slotted by University’s Rob Butcher to send his side through to the grand final in the process.
“We’ve always talked about discipline and we’ve had a season with a lot of cards and we did that again today with two sin bins, so, we didn’t make it easy for ourselves, and letting them come back from 12 behind was definitely not in the plan either,” Pirates’ Butcher said.
Missing the first penalty shot from half way, Butcher said that the chance to have a chat after the ball went dead made the world of difference for their tactics and final play plan.
“My backs a bit crook and I didn’t hit the ball well, but when it went out we came together and all understood that this would be our final chance,” he said.
“So everyone was switched on and fortunately the penalty went in our favour and I was able to make the kick this time.
“I’d have to say honestly the only positive to come out of an ill-disciplined season has been our ability to dig ourselves out of a hole and we were able to achieve that again here.
“We’re in the final now so we can rest and prepare for whoever we will play for the next two weeks.”
Other Results
B-GRADE:
Swampdogs 15 def. 12 University Pirates
Casuarina Cougars 23 def. 19 Katherine Roos
WOMEN:
Casuarina Cougars 19 def. 0 South Darwin Rabbitohs
A-GRADE:
South Darwin Rabbitohs 21 def. 20 Darwin Dragons
Week 1 Previews
The first round of finals action are upon us and some exciting match-ups are on the cards.
After a gripping 15 round’s of the regular season that saw upsets and blowouts alike, this Saturday, March 9, will see some cracker major-semi’s out at NTRU Rugby Park, Marrara.
MATCH OF THE ROUND: Casuarina Cougars vs. University Pirates (A-grade)
Shaping up as the match of the round, the clash between reigning premiers Cougars and perennial powerhouse University will be a must watch affair.
Pipping University at the post, the Cougars claimed their second consecutive minor prelim title last weekend, besting the Pirates by 49 to 48 points.
With 10 wins a piece and two losses, the sides are, on paper, nearly impossible to split.
For University, their main man Rob Butcher will be the difference. The fullback has been on a tear all year, racking up the points consistently week in week out.
As for the Cougars, their go-to man will be fullback Trey Crowley, who much like Butcher, he has been in great form all season
UNDER THE RADAR: University Pirates vs. Swampdogs (B-grade)
Another match that features two very evenly placed sides, the 2.15pm clash between first placed University and second placed Swampdogs will go down to the wire.
Riding a four-game unbeaten streak, the Dogs’ will head into the contest full of confidence after their 18-7 victory over third placed Casuarina last round.
As for University they will also be bringing some confidence into the game following their comfortable 20 point victory over the Bunnies.
A two wins a piece, and the winning margin 1 and 2 points respectively, the game is shaping up as another tight affair.
For Swampdogs, they’ll be looking for their scrum-half Hayden Austine to provide the goods while the Pirates will rely on their speedy back Stylianos Vrontos to deliver some magic.
ALL BUT DECIDED: Darwin Dragons vs. University Pirates (Women)
Barring a monumental upset, it looks all but a certainty that the Dragons will feature in the women’s grand final once again.
The reigning champs have been the form team the entirety of this DRU competition, having gone undefeated at 12-0 with 58 points and a ridiclous +376 points tally.
In their previous two meetings, Darwin came out victorious in a well fought 12-5 Round 8 clash and a 24-5 win in Round 1.
Darwin’s Keisha Humes, Ellie Niki and Bianca Scrymgour will be the players to watch while Crystal McCourt and Sharron Jennings will be the players to watch from University.
Schedule
A-GRADE
Casuarina Cougars vs. University Pirates (4.45pm, Field 1)
South Darwin Rabbitohs vs. Darwin Dragons (7.30pm, Field 1)
WOMEN’S
Darwin Dragons vs. University Pirates (3.45pm, Field 1)
Casuarina Cougars vs. South Darwin Rabbitohs (6.30pm, Field 1)
B-GRADE
University Pirates vs. Swampdogs (2.15pm, Field 2)
Casuarina Cougars vs. Katherine Roos (2.15pm, Field 1)
COUGARS’ KIEREN DANOVARO PULLS THE PIN ON CAREER
Casuarina Cougars’ fly-half and playmaker Kieren Danovaro is seeking the perfect send-off to his Darwin footy career, after being dragged out of retirement midway through the season.
The Novocastrian never intended to pull on the blue and white again, having originally planned to spend the 2023-24 season with his feet up supporting his mates from the sidelines.
But after a slow start to the season and a call from his good friend and team captain Alani Malupo asking him to come back, Danovaro couldn’t resist lacing up his boots for one more run.
“The boys went through a bit of a rough patch at the start of the season, and Malupu asked me to come back and I agreed to give it one more go,” he said.
“But since then we’ve smoothed out the edges and have been on a good run recently, finding ways to win when under the pump as well as defeating sides comfortably.”
Danovaro put the up-tick in form down to the ‘boys buying in’ on the coaching system and pushing one another in tough moments, with the prospect of back-to-back titles a mammoth incentive.
“We’ve had some great coaching from Junior Po-Ching and we’ve started training three times a week coming into finals,” the 30-year-old said.
“We have a sort of brotherhood on and off the field and that camaraderie is reflected on game day.
“After clinching the minor premiership for the second year in a row and with the prospect of going back-to-back, we are all in.”
The league and union player has seemingly possessed a Midas touch in Darwin, not having lost a first-grade game in two seasons of playing in the NRLNT and DRU.
However, not everything can last forever and the Cougar is jetting home in the coming fortnight, citing homesickness and his love for the east coast too much to bear.
“I’ve been here for a few years and it’s been an amazing period of my life and I’ve cherished every moment,” Danovaro said.
“But the time has come for me to go home, back to my family, my lovely partner and the waves of the coast.
“I wish the boys the best of luck in the future but my job isn’t done here just yet.”
The playmaker will leave on March 17, but with the grand final on the 23rd the team will be jetting him back for his last 80 minutes of action and a chance to lift the Dennis Bree Shield again.
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