Ballerz, P-Dub succeed in 2020 Stafford Winter Season

Stafford Mixed

Ballerz have won their third mixed division title in a row with a hard fought 7-4 win over One Kick Wonders on Wednesday.

The experience of the Ballerz’ core group of players proved the difference as they overcame a fast-start by One Kick Wonder’s Rep players.

Corey Pocock starred for his green and white team as he crossed for three tries, including the first inside the opening five minutes.

Newly crowned Sharks Rep player Mason Hasselmeyer also proved pivotal in the middle as a link man in attack.

The onslaught was quickly nullified with two quick tries to Sharks Mens coach Ben Hayes.

The return of former Rep captain Jess Sleep helped sure up the middle and gift Hayes his second try in three minutes with a spilt on the goal line.

They extended their lead shortly after with Ballerz captain Jake Coolwell crossing to end the half.

The momentum remained with the reigning champions to start the half with Coolwell setting up Zac Jane for his first try.

Pocock nabbed his third try in a swift hit back on a long-range grubber to himself.

As both teams began to show signs of fatigue, a critical professional foul penalty was awarded Ballerz way after Ben Hayes was contacted in a try scoring situation.

The call would result in One Kick Wonders playing a man down for five sets.

Despite the disadvantage, the challengers would remain strong and withstand Ballerz’ first attacking set.

The six-player attack of One Kick Wonders would force a surprise repeat set to soak up some time with the ball.

A poor end of set gifted Ballerz with great field position and some momentum as they capitalised through Jeff O’Connor to extend their side’s lead to 5-3.

The return to seven players on the field saw Corey Pocock spring to life as he sent Mason Hasselmeyer over for his first points.

Jake Coolwell quickly hit back before Jeff O’Conner crossed for his second in the dying stages to ice the win.

Ballerz: Ben Hayes (2), Jake Coolwell (2), Jeff O’Connor (2), Zac Jane
One Kick Wonders: Corey Pocock (3), Mason Hasselmeyer
Player of the match: Ben Hayes

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Stafford Mens – Division 1

P-Dub have overcome long-time rivals Joeys in a fast-paced Mens final.

Sharks Rep speedster Sam Gadsby broke the game wide open inside the first five minutes with a try and an assist to set up Luke Murray.

The red-hot P-Dub side would extend their lead to three at the 10-minute mark through Gadsby to open up Joeys biggest deficit of the season.

The head-strong boys in purple bounced back through Matthew Allen after some honest words in the moments leading up to it.

Rookie Matt Beard crossed for Joeys second to breath new life into the contest as half time approached.

Prolific try scorer Kyle Foxwell pounced on a short kick to take P-Dub to a 4-2 lead heading into the break.

With both teams constricted in a tight huddle, the match was set up for one of the most competitive second halves to date.

Corey Pocock broke the shackles with a long range grubber to bring the scores to within one.

Some wild end-to-end footy ensured with a battle for the ruck and field possession.

Two-time Rep player Matt O’Brien hit back with a try of his own, before Luke Murray jumped on a fortuitous bounce in the in-goal for P-Dub to scoot out to a 6-3 lead.

Pocock brought the game to within two points with his second try as time became the enemy.

With both teams out on their feet, P-Dub sealed a momentous victory as time elapsed to claim their seventh mens title.

P-Dub: Sam Gadsby (2), Luke Murray (2), Kyle Foxwell, Matt O’Brien
Joeys: Corey Pocock (2), Matthew Allen, Matt Beard
Player of the Match: Sam Gadsby

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Stafford Mens Division 2

Beer Pressure secured a 2-0 victory in the mens division two final over newcomers Hip Thrusters.

Player of the match Lachlan O’Keefe was a key cog in the Beer Pressure attack as he crossed for the only points of the game.

Both teams had their chances with Hip Thrusters going close on numerous occasions.

Well done to Beer Pressure. Outstanding job by Hip Thrusters to make the final in their first season at Stafford.

Beer Pressure: Lachlan O’Keefe (2)
Hip Thrusters: –
Player of the Match: Lachlan O’Keefe

A big thanks to our team sponsors Arrivederci Pizzeria and Grill’d Chermside.

Spring season at Stafford kicks-off on Wednesday, October 7th. This unique season will be a shortened seven week/eight game season due to three weeks of State of Origin in November.

Registrations are now open

Stafford Winter season team photos