ABOVE: Coach and player Alex Gibbon, in front, leads the Richmond Range men’s team to the grand final. Photo: Vicky Kerry
Susanna Freymark
When the Richmond Range men’s rugby team defeated Casuarina 20-18 last week they celebrated not only the win but their ticket to the grand final.
Today, Saturday, September 17, Range versus Ballina at Kingsford Smith Park in Ballina. Ranges won 33-12.
The Ranges’ homeground is Mallanganee with players coming from across the area.
This final is historic as the team enters their first ever 2nd Division (2nd Grade and Presidents Cup teams combined) grand final against rival team Ballina Seagulls.
Coach and player Alex Gibbon said it is more than 20 years since the Ranges have made it to a final. That history changed today.
The first and only grand final win was in 1980.
The players in final were:
Blake Birmingham
Michael Macrae
Reece Manning
Jacob Lane
David Lane
Hayden Pratt
Dan Fuhrmann
Nick Crompton
Alex Gibbon
Matt Sorrenti
Brock King
Glen Pollard
Paul Hewetson
Nick Fuhrmann
James Pankhurst
Daniel Sorrenti
Duncan Ryan
James Hewetson
Andrew Robertson
Ben Wheeler
Luke Benn
Nick Benn
After the game there was a grand final celebration at the Tatts in Casino from 6.30pm.
The Tattersalls Hotel Casino is the club’s major sponsor.
Well done, Range.
