Several Western Force stars claimed WA Fortescue Premier Grade glory on Saturday as Associates won the men’s Grand Final and Wanneroo triumphed in the women’s at Kalamunda’s Hartfield Reserve.
Fortescue Academy trio Justin Landman, Cristiano Tizzano and HD Stemmet all played key roles, along with Force stalwart Ian Prior, in Associates’ come-from-behind 21-19 victory over Palmyra in the men’s Premier Grade Grand Final.
Soaks rallied back from a 12-0 first-half deficit, with Landman scoring a try in the 64th minute down the right channel to put them 21-12 up, before Pally scored to ensure a tense final 10 minutes.
PG Hampshire medal runner-up Tizzano was outstanding at scrum-half, including a brilliant 53rd-minute line break to within 10m, which led to a Palmyra yellow card.
Tizzano’s strong kick return catch also led to Liam Zocchi-Dommann being binned for 10 minutes for a tackle while the half-back’s feet were off the ground, enabling Soaks a numerical advantage which they capitalized upon.
Stemmet produced several strong carries, getting through approximately an hour of work at number 8. The triumph was Associates’ first men’s Premier Grade title since 2018.
Meanwhile, Force stalwart Anneka Stephens pulled the strings in Wanneroo’s 20-8 victory over Palmyra in the women’s Premier Grade Grand Final.
Force extended squad member Nami Dickson crossed in the second minute down the right side. Experienced Force half-back Kendra Fell narrowed the gap for Pally with a 12th minute penalty.
Stephens was crucial in the build-up to Wanneroo’s third try as Majesty Pomare got free down the left for a 15-3 lead after 22 minutes and they never looked back.
