Staunch Tigers rally in last quarter to stave off gallant Diorites

Boulder’s reserves squad will head into the 2025 Goldfields Football League season chasing a coveted premiership hat-trick after they held off Mines Rovers on Saturday in a frenetic last quarter of the grand final to win by 20 points, 7.10 (52) to 4.8 (32).

The margin didn’t truly reflect the full drama of the final term when Mines Rovers — trailing by six points but working on the breeze — twice levelled the scores to keep a bumper crowd on tenterhooks.

One minute had ticked over when Diorites forward Nick Willis tied the scores for the first time, and teammate Kodee Lowe followed suit at the eight-minute mark.

But the Tigers — who led at every change — dug deep into their energy reserves to hit the front for good midway through the quarter with Harry Morgan’s goal.

Two minutes later, Lewis Johns produced a touch of magic with a stellar crumbing effort on his left-foot, among a four-goal last term for Boulder.

Boulder’s Jarrod Best was judged best afield, while Brenton Marr savoured back-to-back flags at the helm.

It was a classic grand final between two evenly matched squads who had fought out two draws during the qualifying series.

Boulder finished first to be minor premiers, but Mines Rovers beat them in the second semifinal by 15 points to earn a week’s break.

The season-long arm wrestle continued in the grand final when 10 minutes had ticked over before the opening score — a behind to the Tigers, who had first use of the breeze.

But despite repeat entries inside their 50m arc, they had only a modest 1.3 to show for their work at quarter-time.

Mines Rovers, however, had their own issues converting, and by half-time they had managed just six behinds amid a 16-point deficit.

The goalless start proved costly for the blue-and-whites, whose opening major came off the boot of Brad Dick four minutes into the third quarter.

When Willis kicked accurately in the shadows of three-quarter-time, the deficit was six points, but the Diorites’ revival ultimately stalled when Boulder outscored them, 4.2 to 2.0, in the last quarter.

Boulder’s triumph was underpinned by Bryant Best’s three goals.