Like most senior competitions throughout Queensland this year, the Mount Isa Rugby League A Grade competition has been no different with their "shortened modified 3 team competition", (only involving Black Stars, Town and Wanderers) due to the effects on other Clubs with COVID-19.
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However the 2020 MIRL Grand Final opponents, Wanderers Devils and Town Lions have a long and established local traditional rivalry with memories of their Epic 2015 Grand Final Battle being rekindled this week in the lead up to this Saturday's Big Clash.
Minor Premiers Wanderers will into this year's game as slight favourites as they've been undefeated throughout the season, defeating Town on the 2 occasions they've met, however the Townies boys will be aiming for a "Four in a Row", and following on from their very successful "Three Peat" efforts of 2017/2018/2019.
Whilst once again as usual with the MIRL competition, players work commitments have played havoc with their respective club coaches being able to assemble the same side on a regular basis, however there are danger men and potential match winners across the park in both sides, as both teams boost a blend of youth and experience.
Wanderers will be headed by Lance Cope, Adam Kleier, Paul Lapu, Clargie Saltmere, Diega Teaukura, Luke McKenna, Chavez Hegerty and Simeona Tala-Sio,
While the likes of Rohan Schulz, Ronnie Francis, Scott Perrin, Dylan Buckingham, Nicholas Cooke, Bronson Smith, Darcy McDonald, Jackson Siemer, and Te Urewera Potini will pose threats to their opposition, while Cris Lucas lines up against some old ex team mates as he was a member of the successful Wanderers side of 2015.
Trip Down Memory Lane to the 2015 MIRL Grand Final.Wanderers Devils v Towns Lions.
As is the case in 2020, Wanderers were also MIRL Minor Premiers in 2015 and secured a grand final berth in slick fashion with a 26-point win against Town 36-10.
Town then overcame a spirited Normanton Stingers in the Preliminary Final to go on and qualify for the Big Dance and a return battle with their arch rivals.
Wanderers Devils won the 2015 end of season decider in an "Absolute Epic 104 Minute Marathon", which is still talked about today, scoring the eventual match winner in the 4th minute of Golden Point extra time.
Things looked bleak early for Town Lions as they down 16-0 after Wanderers put on three tries, but they hung in there and bounced back to be only in arrears 20-12 at halftime.
The 2 nd half was a real arm wrestle and both sides continued to try and attempt to assert their superiority, but no sooner as it appeared one side was getting on top, their opponents grabbedsome momentum and all of a sudden it was game on again.
But at the completion of an enthralling 80 minutes it was locked up at 32-all, and even after playing "10 inutes of extra time each-way" that followed after could not separate the two sides at 36-all, as 2 of the competitions leading sharp shooters, Marty Paulson (Town) and Anton Saltmere (Wanderers) narrowly missed important goals kicks during this period.
Just like the Broncos in that 2015 NRL decider only a few weeks later a costly knock-on from Town in the opening stages of the first period of golden point handed Wanderers possession inside the attacking half with a great opportunity beckoning.
The Minor Premiers took full advantage of the Lions misfortune and in the 4th minute of Golden Point, after great lead-up play by Halves Clargie Saltmere and Ryan Cassady, flying winger Matthew Toby scored out wide, to give the Devils the premiership 40-36.
While there were many outstanding and courageous performances from players from both sides, Wanderers second rowers Mark Bull and Adam Kleier were awarded joint winners of the time honoured "Jack Lee Memorial Trophy" (first awarded to Paul Laffin in 1983) as the Player of the Match, presented by former Canterbury Bulldogs player Billy Johnstone.
WANDERERS DEVILS 40
Tries: Corey Carlson 2, Cody Saltmere, Daniel Simmons, Ryan Cassady, Brenton Stonier, Mark Bull and Matthew Toby Goals: Anton Saltmere 4
TOWN LIONS 36
Tries: Tyler Donald, Bronson Smith, Daniel Dunne, Ronald Francis, Nicholas Cooke and Jack Wilson.Goals: Marty Paulson 6
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