Buffaloes Stampede into Grand Final
Bramley Buffaloes secured a starring role in the 2006 National League Grand Finals day with a 30-10 victory over Hemel Stags in a thrilling play-off match at Stanningley.
Two second half tries for Paul Gledhill sealed victory for the Buffaloes against a stubborn Stags side that never gave up.
The visitors silenced a vociferous crowd of over 600 with two early penalties from the boot of Swindells and all of the early pressure before the Buffaloes finally got on the board after 22 minutes with a Paul Drake penalty for holding down.
Two tries just before the break calmed the Buffaloes nerves as first John Elliker twisted through two tackles to score and then on the stroke of half-time Shaun Flynn collected a lucky bounce from a kick on the last tackle to round the cover to score. Drake converted both to leave it 14-4 to the hosts at half-time
Bramley came out with all guns blazing and soon added to their try tally on 47 minutes when Gledhill powered over after good build up play. Drakes conversion made it 20-4 but Hemel immediately hit back with a close range try from Danny Stocks converted by Swindells.
The ten point gap spurred the Stags on but they were unable to penetrate some resolute defence from Bramley who added to their own score on 63 minutes when Gledhill found a gap out wide after a smart break from the back of the scrum by Elliker.
With nine minutes to go the Buffaloes made sure of a second consecutive Grand Final appearance when Brad Asquith rewarded some ambitious handling by diving over the line. Drakes conversion made it 30-10 and that was how it stayed.
The Stags bossed much of the first half but had no answer to the Buffaloes attacking options in the second period.
Coach Paul Cook exclaimed: "Im thrilled that weve made the Grand Final after what has been a very memorable season but we must now concentrate on winning at Warrington in two weeks time. Too many players here still have a sour taste in their mouth after last years Grand Final defeat and we dont want a repeat of that.
"Hemel Stags have been tough competitors all season and they proved determined opposition again today but weve come through another test successfully," added Cook who has recently signed a new two year deal to remain as coach of the Buffaloes.
The Grand Final takes place at Warringtons Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday 8th October and supporters interested in following the Buffaloes can get ticket details from www.bramleybuffs.com or by visiting the RFLs website.
On Sunday 15th October the Buffaloes face the NRL A grade side Manly Sea Eagles at Stanningleys Arthur Miller Stadium as part of the Australian sides tour of the UK.
TEAMS
1) Shaun Flynn
2) Nicky Fontaine
3) Paul Gledhill
4) Paul Drake
5) John Richardson
6) Scott Pendlebury
7) Marc Gibson
8) Mark Butterill
9) Brad Asquith
10)Chris Gardner
11)Luke Sellers
12)Danny OConnor
13)John Elliker
14)Shaun Gilmour
15)Steve Gill
16)Dave Bray
17)Richard Leese
SCORERS
Tries
John Elliker
Paul Gledhill x 2
Shaun Flynn
Bradley Asquith
Goals
Paul Drake x 5
1) Matt Walton
2) Jarod Riki
3) Barry John Swindells
4) Sean Lovett
5) Dave Grover
6) Scott Clendinning-Fenton
7) Chris Hodgetts
8) Danny Stokes
9) Andy Curtain
10)Ryan Isiaih
11)Scott Roberts
12)Chris Heinke
13)Troy Perkins
14)Michael Offendahl
15)Mark Manito
16)Malaki Forrester
17)Steve Sutcliffe
SCORERS
Tries
Danny Stokes
Goals
Barry John Swindells x 3