An 80th-minute conversion by Noah Lolesio claimed victory for the Canberra Vikings on 20 October, sending them through to the National Rugby Championship (NRC) Grand Final.
Up against the defending champions, Fijian Drua, the Vikings trailed 22-0 at halftime before a stunning second half fightback.
Tom Banks crashed over on the final play of the match to set up the match-winning conversion for Lolesio, who calmly slotted it over for the 28-27 victory.
The Vikings will take on the Western Force in Perth in the 2019 NRC Grand Final on Saturday 26 October.
Caps douse Fire
In the Women’s National Basketball League, the UC Capitals defeated Townsville Fire 67-65 in a closely fought contest at the National Convention Centre on Sunday 20 October.
The UC Capitals will spend Round 3 on the road with games against Melbourne Boomers on Friday 25 October and Sydney Uni Flames on Sunday 27 October before returning home for a clash against the Sydney Uni Flames on Saturday 2 November at the AIS Arena, which is also the UC Capitals Indigenous Round.
Indigenous Round celebrates and acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contribution that the players, officials and fans make to the game.
Both teams will wear specially designed Indigenous uniforms. The Capitals’ uniform will be revealed in the lead up to the round but is a play off last season’s design while still maintaining the same Ngunnawal artwork and symbolism.
At a glance
Chill record mixed results
The Canberra Chill men’s and women’s sides both recorded losses against HC Melbourne on Friday 18 October, going down 10-5 and 2-0 respectively. The women’s side bounced back with a 2-1 win over Tassie Tigers on Sunday 20 October, however the men lost 6-2. Next round sees the Canberra Chill travel to Adelaide to take on the Adelaide Fire.
50th anniversary of bowls
The bowls greens at Yowani Country Club were officially opened 50 years ago on 26 October 1969 so the club will hold a day of celebration on Saturday 26 October. Bowls start at 10am. All welcome; call the Bowls Office to register on 6228 9733 by Friday 25 October 5pm.
Combat sport changes
New rules and requirements are now in effect to support the safety and integrity of combat sports – such as boxing and mixed martial arts – as well as to reflect the evolution and diversity of combat sports in the ACT. For more information, visit act.gov.au/controlledsports
United preparing for kick-off
Heather Garriock’s 2019/20 squad is starting to take shape, with Taren King and Olivia Price re-signing with Canberra United for the upcoming Westfield W-League campaign. United will open their season with back-to-back home blockbusters at McKellar Park starting with a clash against Perth Glory on Sunday 17 November. In total, United will have six home fixtures for the season.
Sports grants
Member for Monaro John Barilaro is encouraging local sporting clubs to apply for the latest round of the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program. The Local Sports Grant Program closes on 25 November. For more info: sport.nsw.gov.au/localsport or phone 13 13 02.
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