The reigning three-time premiers fended off a spirited Ballarat Highlanders in the Country Conference Semi-Final at Vibert Reserve — a rematch of a two-point thriller that had gone the way of the Bulls just weeks before.
Shepparton led 15-7 at the break in an absorbing back-and-forth contest, with Josua Tikoduadua and Pou Tuiletufuga both crossing the try-line and a Troy Onosai penalty sending the Bulls into the sheds eight points to the good.
Bulls’ skipper Sam Waqarerevaki broke a tense deadlock midway through the half to extend Shepp’s lead and Joela Niukula Ravunailele and Benrock Falemai followed soon after.
Caleb Taulapapa added his name to an ever-growing list of try-scorers to all but seal the win, though back-to-back tries from the Highlanders briefly had the home faithful holding their breath.
But as they have done so reliably over the past four seasons, the Bulls leant on their well-oiled system to close out a 39-26 triumph, booking their place in the Country Cup grand final at Geelong this week against Melton.
The season series between the two sides points to another cracking decider, with the Bulls accounting for the Warriors 22-6 in round eight before Melton levelled the ledger with a one-point win in round 12.
The victor will then head to the Conference Cup grand final to face Casey or Powerhouse for overall bragging rights.
The senior semi-final wasn’t the only clash to take centre stage at Vibert Reserve, however.
Shepparton saw a historic first when its combined Bulls-Northern Panthers under-16 girls squad lined up for the first time on their home pitch, with a vocal home crowd cheering on the popular members of the junior herd.
Under lights on Friday evening, and after two seasons making the trek to Melbourne to play their rugby, the girls made it a night to remember with a commanding 51-20 victory over Brimbank in their home debut.
Disappointingly, other fixtures, including the under-14 girls and Lindroth Cup senior women’s clash, were forfeited by the opposition.
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