BULLDOGS GRAB THE CUP

A hard-fought rugby league grand final win for the Richmond Bulldogs sees them crowned 2013 SAS Sharman Cup champions and promoted to next year's Fox Memorial Shield.

The Bulldogs capped off their centennial year with an 18-14 win over the Otara Scorpions after a cliffhanger finish in front of a 1500-strong crowd at Henderson's Trusts Stadium on Saturday.

Both teams fully deserved their place in the final after a long and hard season.

The Bulldogs came into the final after a strong performance in the semifinals against the Scorpions, trouncing them 34-22.

The first try of the day came in the fifth minute courtesy of Bruce Tusa who put through Tagisia Fulutusi for the Scorpions.

Toleafoa Leaupepe went agonisingly close but the desperate Scorpions defence held out - until a rampaging Hector Purcell bulldozed over to give Richmond their first points.

Steve Watkinson converted and Richmond were up 6-4. Richmond seemed to get a second wind and with only 10 to go in the first half went over again down the left flank after quick hands had Marcus Auva'a ground the ball under pressure.

Another Watkinson conversion had Bulldogs up 12-4 at halftime.

In the second half the Bulldog's Bronson Harden was held up in goal to be denied a try.

This gave Otara their first opportunity of the half and James Tulikaki crossed to give the Scorpions their second try, making the score 12-8 after a missed conversion.

Richmond did not have to wait long for their next chance and when the Bulldogs kicked early and caught Scorpions' winger Tagisia Fulutusi out of position, the Bulldogs found themselves hard on attack. From there an early tap by Watkinson had him find his opposites napping and he managed to plant the ball to extend the lead to 18-8 after converting the try.

With three minutes remaining Scorpions' five-eight Leiloa Lafaele crossed and with a successful conversion it was 18-14 to the Bulldogs with a minute to go.

From the kickoff Otara missed the ball and it went out for a line dropout.

The Scorpions gained possession and broke away downfield but an Otara grubber failed to find its man and the ball was cleared for the Bulldogs to win 18-14.

SAS Sharman Cup Grand Final Results:

Richmond Bulldogs 18 (12) V (4) 14 Otara Scorpions.

BIG WIN FOR RICHMOND YOUNG GUNS
Congratulations to the Richmond under 18s team who played Mangere East Nesian Hawks on Saturday 18th August at Victoria park #3. The Luisa Avaiki coached team play the Otahuhu Leopards this Saturday 25th August at Moyle Park, 12.45pm. A huge confident boost for the under 18s club team and coaching management. With Manurewa Marlins going through to the grand final the Leopards are the only team that stand in there way. Be at the game this weekend to support our team taken on some of the best talent in South Auckland. 

RICHMOND TO BE REPRESENTED AT GRAND FINAL, TOKES
The Richmond Tokes finish the round robin in first place out of eleven with a solid 15 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw. The Bernard Vaihu coached team has some payback at the back of there mind as they have been beaten twice during the season by neighborhood rival Mt Albert Lions who placed second in the unforgiving Premier 2nd competition. The top 2 from each section Premier 2nd Championship began on Saturday 18th. Richmond took on a very traditionally tough Otahuhu Leopards team at Avondale Racecourse in what is considered the biggest game in the competition between two heavy juggernauts. The Tokes though showing resilience and skill came out on top 20 points to 18. This crucial win sees the Tokes team go straight to the Auckland Rugby League Premier 2nd Championship grand final to be played on Sunday 2nd September at 12noon.

ROSES GIVE IT TO GOOD GO AGAINST RELENTESS PAPAKURA IN GRAND FINAL
The Richmond Roses have been the big movers in 2012 with a great mixture of youth and experience. The Roses played a solid Papakura Ladies on Sunday 19th August at Cornwall park in the Auckland rugby league Womens competition Grand final. The Roses were playing a very tough and uncomprimising Papakura line up. The Roses despite going down 48 -10 gave this game there blood, sweat and tears and can hold there heads up high to finish the 2012 year as Runners up.

PREMIER 1ST GO DOWN TO GALLANT SCORPIONS IN FINAL
The Ming Mafoe coached Richmond Premier 1st played the Otara Scorpions in there respective grand final. Played at Mt Smart stadium #2 at 6.15pm the Scorpions hit out to an early lead and continued this momentum in the second half to win 22 - 0. Val McDonald, Selwyn Zarins and Paki Alesi played exceptionally well. However the evening went to a well enthused and spirited Otara Scorpions team. The coaching team and players can walk away with there heads held high knowing that they represented the Richmond Rovers rugby league club with pride.