Extra time heartbreak for Ivanhoe

Clay Jones posted Ivanhoe’s first grand final points, with a hard fought try in the first half. Image: The Riverine Grazier / Krista Schade

By Krista Schade

The ProTen grand final played an extra 20 minutes - 10 each way - before Narrandera Lizards managed to snatch victory from the Ivanhoe Roosters.
Clay Jones opened the scoring for the Roosters but a scuffle in back play allowed the Lizards to cross soon after.
In a game of crash and bash rugby league, undisciplined play from both sides saw numerous incidents become physical.
A trademark scoot from dummy half by Jermaine Dixon put Ivanhoe back in front but they lost Jake Whyman soon after when he was sent from the field for a high tackle.
Penalties continued to mount in Narrandera’s favour but the Roosters line defence held strong, led by coach Kodi Charles and ex-NRL star Joel Thompson.
Luke Gras and Moe Clune made many valuable metres with the ball and Jesse Thmpson was outstanding. His passion was evident throughout the extended game.
Joel Thompson threatened the line but was held up before Lachyer Brennan crossed the line in the corner. Despite protests from the crowd the referee disallowed the try, deeming the ball not grounded.
Roosters lost half back Patrick Little to the sin bin for a professional foul and with two players down were unable to contain the Lizards who scored on the full-time siren.
With scores locked at 10 all, extra time was called.
ProTen player of the year William Charles crossed for Ivanhoe on the back of solid forward progression by Clune and a clever offload by Dixon.
Narrandera scored at the end of the first ten-minute period of extra time to again level the scores at 14 all.
The final ten minutes of the game whipped the crowd into a frenzy although questionable decisions had the Roosters fans on their feet in protest
A penalty to Narrandera in the dying minutes of the game gave them passage down to field to score under the posts.
Final score: Narrandera Lizards 20 defeated Ivanhoe Roosters 14.
In the curtain raiser women’s 9s grand final Ivanhoe played out a closely contested match against Barellan Rams.
The Rams were clear favourites having won every game in the lead up to Saturday’s tussle.
Ivanhoe trailed at the half-time break 10-4 with Niumai Serukabaivata the sole try scorer.
Bobbi-Lee Goolagong’s storming try in the second half and a length of the field try to half-back Nanise Tale saw Ivanhoe take a narrow four-point lead, but Barellan was not done.
They crossed and posted a converted try to take the premiership by the narrowest of margins.
Final score: Barellan 16 defeated Ivanhoe 14.

Below left: Local player ranks were bolstered by the return to the competition by ex-NRL star Joel Thompson, pictured searching for space in the Narrandera defensive line. Grand final images: The Riverine Grazier / Krista Schade.

Right: Ivanhoe Roosters’ William Charles was crowned ProTen player of the year for 2023. Image: Ivanhoe Roosters.