Sport
3 July, 2025
Grand Final bound
The Oakey Bears women have qualified for the 2025 Toowoomba Rugby League Women’s Grand Final, beating Valleys Roosters in a thrilling 22-18 come-from-behind golden point extra-time win.
At 12-0 to Valleys it was looking like a repeat of last week.
After Jasmine Gray’s try, to make it 18-6 immediately after the break, it looked like it might be game over.
But the Oakey Bears women pulled off a remarkable comeback to defeat their heavily-favoured opponents on a beautiful day at Kuhls Road.
Cheered on raucously by some of their former players in Highfields colours, tries to Crystal Lingwoodock, Emmie Creevey, Casey Lingwoodock levelled the match at 18-all to send it to extra-time.
The game might have been finished earlier.
The Bears had missed two gold-plated opportunities to ice the game, a penalty goal attempt from right next to the posts which went under the bar and an excruciating moment where the ball was knocked loose by Valleys as the Bears were set to score.
But, Tamika Clevin sealed the deal, sending the Bears bench and supporter base into raptures.
Gracious in defeat, the Roosters women can hold their heads high, defending on their line for much of the last 25 minutes and into extra-time.
Oakey Captain Katelyn Anderson, one of a number of players who came to the Bears, after Newtown’s de-registration said she was incredibly proud of her team.
“We’ll keep our heads up and focus again for next week,” she said.
Coach Cameron Donaldson said his nervous system was shot.
“My heart didn’t go for about the last 25 minutes,” Donaldson said.
“That was pure heart and grit. To come back and do that - it’s just heart.
“Mate, from third-last in 2024 to the Grand Final with no BMD (Western Clydesdales) players....”
They will play Highfields, who will go in into the decider as favourites after defeating Pittsworth 10-4.
The match will be played at Clive Berghofer Stadium next Saturday afternoon.
Semi-Final 1:
Oakey Bears 22 (Alicia Anderson, Crystal Lingwoodock, Emmie Creevey, Casey Lingwoodock, Tamika Clevin tries Cheyenne Zirbel goal) defeated Valleys Roosters 18 (Annastasia Salote Collins, Mikeely Scott, Jasmine Gray tries Jayde Rolph 3 goals)
Semi-Final 2:
Highfields Eagles 10 (Charlotte Collie, Montana Mook tries Abbey Markey goal) defeated Pittsworth Danes 4 (Annika Franklin try)
Pittsworth proved a tough nut to crack for the Eagles, who nevertheless got the job done.
Highfields will go into next week’s decider against Oakey confident of defending their crown.
TRL WOMEN’S GRAND FINAL
Highfields Eagles (1) vs. Oakey Bears (3)
Saturday July 5th, 2pm.
The venue is the Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba Sports Ground, Arthur Street, East Toowoomba.
