TFSA League 2025 Wrap Up

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Timestamp: Sat 13 Dec 2025, 03:24 AM

Last Friday the 5^th, saw the 2025 TFSA League grand finals played at Graduates Oval. Please read on for match reports and award winners.

Men’s Open - Vipers edge Scorpions in extra-time thriller to claim back-to-back TFSA League Men’s titles

The Northern Vipers have secured consecutive Men’s TFSA League premierships after outlasting the Central Scorpions 12–11 in a dramatic drop-off at Graduates Oval on Friday night.

In one of the most compelling deciders the competition has seen in years, the lead changed repeatedly as both sides produced high-quality attacking play, fierce defensive stands and moments of controversy.

The Scorpions, who elected to defend first to give themselves the opening possession should the game reach extra time, were immediately placed under pressure. The Vipers struck from their first set and added two quick tries — including a long break through the middle — to take early control.

But as the pre-game wind and drizzle cleared, the Scorpions fought their way back. An errant Vipers pass on the defensive line allowed Khyle Ray-Arbon to snatch an interception and score, sparking a run of momentum. Two further tries stunned the defending premiers and levelled the contest.

The Vipers briefly reclaimed the lead through strong rucking from Josh Dobie, but a midfield penalty and a failed attempted ‘no touch’ in the midfield allowed an unexpected try and Scorpions to surge. They finished the half with six of the final eight tries to lead by two at the break.

The second half was played at a markedly higher intensity, with the lead shifting several times. The Vipers created extra attacking chances but hampered themselves with sloppy interchanges, conceding two penalties for having seven players on the field.

The match remained tied in the final minute when Ray-Arbon dived for the line, only to be denied by a desperate touch. The siren sounded seconds later, sending the grand final to a drop-off.

The Scorpions began extra time with possession but were unable to convert. With the field reduced to four-on-four, the Vipers spread the ball to the corner for the decisive try before holding firm defensively to secure the title.

Jayden Chambers was named player of the final.

Women’s Open - Stingrays defend women’s crown

Earlier, the Eastern Stingrays claimed their second straight Women’s premiership with a 6–4 win over the South West Wolves.

Both sides scored early, but the Wolves — missing key playmaker Ailene Hiebner — struggled to capitalise on their attacking opportunities. At the opposite end, the Stingrays’ ball movement created space for Ellie Farrands, who crossed twice to give her side a 3–1 half-time lead.

The Wolves managed to stay within reach throughout an unusual second half but were unable to break the Stingrays’ advantage. Senior Rays players Ellie Konopka and Lauren Potter scored at crucial moments to seal the win.

Ellie Konopka was named player of the final.

Mixed Open - Vipers claim mixed title in season-deciding drop-off

The night opened with another extra-time finish, with the Northern Vipers securing the Mixed division title in a drop-off against the South West Wolves.

The undefeated Vipers entered as favourites, though the Wolves had pushed them closely in both regular-season meetings. Led by playmaker Darren Williams, the Wolves produced committed goal-line defence to keep the match locked at 2–2 at half-time.

Both teams missed opportunities in the second half before the Vipers broke the deadlock with two quick tries to Alex Organ. The Wolves managed to extend the match to extra time, but the Vipers dominated the drop-off period to claim the premiership 6 tries to 5.

Tyler Allison was named player of the final.