Ballina’s Seahorses have claimed rugby’s biggest local prize, defeating Wollongbar-Alstonville (WAR) Pioneers 25-19 in an stunning upset win in the men’s first grade grand final at Crozier Field, Lismore.

It capped off a grand day for Ballina Shire rugby, with locals making the trip in force, filling the stands in team colours and cheering on their sides from the first whistle to the last.

The Seahorses hard-fought victory over the previoulsy undefeated WAR side was the perfect finish to a day in which four out of five grand finals featured Ballina Shire teams – with the Seahorsettes also claiming women’s honours in their debut season.

Seahorses Coach Mick Greenhalgh said the first grade upset win over the 2024 premier side was perfect reward for a season of steady growth and improvement.

“It was excellent. We built from the start and got better as the year went on,” he said.

Star player Harry Bungate called it “one of the best feelings in the world.”

“We’ve worked so hard all year, and to come into this game against a team that’s been undefeated and get a win like that – everyone dug deep.

“Words can’t describe it,” he said.

First Grade Scorers

Tries: Pateresio Vota, Stanley Lolohea, Jack Wallace, Jack Radford.
Conversion: Sam Giltrap.

Seahorsettes Make History

Ballina’s women’s side, the Seahorsettes, created their own slice of history with a 26–22 win over Lismore City.

In their first year of competition, they stunned seasoned opponents with a last-minute try to seal the match.

Captain Sam Hughes said the team had never imagined they would lift the trophy in year one.

“It’s our first year in the competition –  we didn’t even imagine we would be here today,” she said.

Women’s Scorers

Tries: Davies (2), Tasmin Faulkner, Emma Stockham.
Conversions: Sam Hughes (3).

U18s Hold Firm

The WAR’s Under 18s also proved victorious against Mullumbimby, winning 12–7 after a strong first half.

Five-eighth Angus Graham said, “We had the lead, 12–nil, at half time. We held on there in the second half.”

U18s Scorers

Tries: Banjora Porch, Cooper Braz.
Conversions: Nate Morpeth.

Second Grade Slip, But Shine Individually

WAR’s second grade side fell 25–7 to Casuarina despite showing flashes of fight.

Joe Grindle was named Best and Fairest for the year, while Ballina’s Nick Bryden finished the season as overall top scorer.

Grindle admitted the defeat was tough to take.

“We played them four times this year and every time it was really close.

“We knew today was going to be tough. We didn’t get the result we wanted,” he said.

Second Grade Scorers

Try: Vincent Chee.
Conversion: Zach Hyatt.

Season Awards

Individual honours were spread across the region:

• WAR’s Bodi Smith claimed highest point scorer and senior player of the year.
  
• Ballina’s Harry Bungate was recognised for his stellar season.
  
• Lennox Head Hayden Blair was named Best and Fairest for 2025.