Sunnybank has stormed into the grand final of the Sumo Energy Founders Cup with a 27-12 victory to knock out University of Queensland.
The win in Saturday's preliminary final at Sunnybank Rugby Club booked a showdown for the trophy with four-time champions Bond University at Ballymore Stadium next Saturday afternoon.
The win over UQ was a major boost for minor premiers Sunnybank who were unhappy with their 22-15 loss to Bond in the major semi-final.
"Very pleased. Compared to last weekend against Bond, we played like a team with the chemistry we know we have," centre Iron Talia said.
"If we take that mindset into the grand final good things can happen."
Sunnybank were in front from the outset with powerful No.8 Madisen-Jade Iva smashing her way over after a series of strong charges from her teammates.
Talia scored her own key try when the Dragons were again on attack. She took a pass from halfback Ana Afuie and dashed over. Teammates swamped her in celebration.
Try-scoring fullback Vitalina Naikore was a standout with some sharp runs and mopping up at the back.
For Talia, she is making the most of her first season with Sunnybank since moving from Melbourne.
The 23-year-old early childhood teacher has been a strong-running factor in the backline and enjoys the vibe at the Dragons.
"From the start, it's been a team-first mentality. The best thing is we all want the same thing," Talia said.
There's no guessing what that is...Sunnybank's first women's premiership since 2019.
