Young Pirates in grand final

After a dominating performance against Curtin University, Mandurah Pirates development side secured a place in the Fourth-Grade Black grand final.

In a compelling game, the Pirates challenged the opposition with vigorous forward play and confident running back play.

Shaun Ilton’s outstanding attacking play early in the game motivated the team with an individual try that set the scene for the rest of the game.

Cory Epps crossed the line to score the second try in the first half to go into half time up 14-0.

The team stayed composed and controlled the game in the second half with Zac Palmer setting up the third try which was scored by Ricky Daniels to secure the match 21-5.

James Murray and finished alongside Ilton and James Murray as the side’s best.

Mandurah Seniors produced some hard-hitting rugby into the wind, but couldn’t put it together to score.

They were penalised three times to be down 9-0 at half-time.

The second half was fast-paced and Mandurah were rewarded with two well-placed penalty kicks and a drop goal by Andrew Taitoko.

Unfortunately, Mandurah were unable to gain the lead as Curtin secured a penalty of their own to be up 12-9

With seven minutes to go, Mandurah negotiated the Curtin defence to produce an exhilarating passage of play that produced a thrilling try by Jake Gill. Taitoko kicked the conversion for Mandurah to finally be in the lead 16-12.

Scrambling defensive rugby was played by Mandurah in the last minutes of the game where they were unable to get out of their own 22.

After continuous penalties against them their defence broke and Curtin scored a controversial try in overtime.

The 17-16 loss showed how tough finals rugby can be.

It’s a must-win game next weekend for a disappointed Mandurah side against Joondalup in the preliminary finals.