Cyclones roar into final, Drovers celebrate two premierships and Capras score vital win

The Cyclones locked in a grand final, Dawson Valley bagged a premiership double and the Capras downed a highly fancied rival. Read how each of them did it.

The Rockhampton Cyclones, CQ Capras and Dawson Valley Drovers were all winners at the weekend.

The NBL1 North grand finalists were decided, the Rugby Capricornia champions were crowned and our CQ Capras took the field for an important Hostplus Cup clash.

We look at the numbers that mattered in the big games a weekend.

Captain Lara McSpadden was brilliant in the Rockhampton Cyclones semi-final win.

12 - Semi-final winning margin for Cyclones

The Rockhampton Cyclones booked an NB1 North grand final berth with a stirring win on their home floor.

The Cyclones stormed home to beat the Townsville Flames 67-55 in front of a sold-out crowd at Bravus Arena on Saturday night.

They will now head to Brisbane for a grand final rematch against the Northside Wizards, determined to avenge last year’s defeat.

Cyclones’ coach Drew Fenton said four key elements - commitment, work ethic, a special bond and leadership - had anchored the team’s 2024 campaign.

Each of them came into play on Saturday as the Cyclones managed to see off a fast start from the Flames which had them trailing by six at the first break.

A solid second quarter, in which they landed 22 points to 11, put them ahead at half-time and they would not surrender the lead again.

Captain Lara McSpadden was instrumental, finishing the game with 18 points, 14 rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

Morgan Yaeger led the scoring with 19, Samantha Bowman made 14 and Lauren Heard 13.

2 - Rugby premierships won by Dawson Valley

Dawson Valley are celebrating after winning the Rugby Capricornia A-grade men’s and women’s 7s grand finals.

Drovers were denied a clean sweep of the senior titles after Mt Morgan edged them by four points in a thrilling reserve grade decider.

Buoyed by a parochial home crowd at The Stockyard in Moura, the women kicked off the action on Saturday.

Dawson Valley won the 2024 Rugby Capricornia women's 7s premiership.

Dawson Valley won the first of their deciders against Brothers 22-7 and backed it up with a 15-5 win in the second.

Drovers A-grade men had been the benchmark all season and were determined not to fall at the last hurdle.

A double from their experienced centre Grant Reddiex helped them secure a hard-fought 31-14 win over defending champions Colts.

Edrick Lee showed his class, bagging three tries in the Capras’ commanding victory.

8 - Capras position on Hostplus Cup ladder

The CQ Capras have held their place in the Hostplus Cup top eight after rolling the Redcliffe Dolphins in their Country Week clash at Middlemount.

The Capras ran in seven tries to two in the impressive 38-10 victory.

Winger Edrick Lee was in sizzling form, scoring the first of his three tries in the seventh minute.

Lock Lachlan Hubner, centre Kurtis Farr, second rower Zev John and fullback Blake Moore also crossed in what was one of the team’s best efforts this season.

It was a vital win for the Capras, who were coming off losses to the Northern Pride and PNG Hunters.

They host the seventh-placed Wynnum Manly in their Round 20 clash at 4pm this Saturday.

Originally published as Cyclones roar into final, Drovers celebrate two premierships and Capras score vital win