Associates are celebrating with the Reserve Grade title tonight after holding off a late charge from UWA to win 23-20.
The Associates supporters in the crowd were on their feet when winger James Wheeler scored the opening try courtesy of an intercepted pass. Todd Lewis converted the kick with ease and Soaks took the lead early 7-0.
UWA clawed back the lead to one point with two consecutive penalty goals kicked by Levon Kvas-Rothwell and then overtook Soaks on the scoreboard with a try to Caleb Brown.
It was a good run by flyhalf Ryan Mills against the run of play, finding Caleb Brown and sending him through the defence to score under the posts. Kvas-Rothwell added the extras to put them ahead 13-7.
A penalty goal to Associates took the score to 13-10 in favour of UWA leading into the half time break.
Scores were levelled in the second half with Soaks’ scrumhalf Lewis slotting another penalty. Soaks took the 20-13 lead not long after with some great phase play sending James Wheeler over the try line and Liam Gribbon kicking the conversion.
Gibbon gave them some breathing space with a successful penalty to put them 10 points ahead.
Uni weren’t ready to give up the title and after applying plenty of pressure in Associates’ 22, they were rewarded with a try out wide to Grant Hardwick. Kvas-Rothwell converted it and they were back within three points.
Time ran away from the minor premiers UWA unfortunately and Associates were crowned the premiers 23-20.