Fortescue Academy trio Justin Landman, HD Stemmet and Cristiano Tizzano all played their part as Associates booked a spot in the 2024 WA Fortescue Premier Grade Grand Final.
Associates rallied back from 12-3 down in the first half to beat Nedlands 30-27 in an epic Semi Final at Allen Park on Saturday.
Ex-Force fly-half Ian Prior’s kicking was a feature for Soaks, nailing three penalties, including a long shot in the see-sawing second half.
Stemmet marked his return from injury with a power of work in the back row, while full-back Landman’s kicking out of the backline was solid throughout.
Scrum-half Tizzano was his industrious self, with his speed a highlight, while he made a series of second-half line breaks.
Associates will take on Palmyra in next Saturday’s decider after they won 40-20 over Dane Sawers’ Kalamunda at Tompkins Park.
The Grand Final will take place at Hartfield Reserve in Forrestfield on Saturday 7 September.
Elsewhere around the country, Henry O’Donnell scored a double but it wasn’t enough as Norths were downed 36-35 by Easts in the NSW Shute Shield Grand Final at Leichhardt Oval.
Siosifa Amone and Max Burey also both started for Norths, who produced a big second-half comeback led by O’Donnell, only to fall short.
In Queensland’s Hospital Cup on Sunday, Harry Hoopert and Finn Prass’ Brothers will face Wests at Ballymore from 12:45pm WST, live on Stan Sport.
