IT was a day for celebration as the Laurieton Hotel Stingrays faithful gathered for their last home game of the season on Saturday, 17 August.

The club’s Sponsors and Old Boys Day honoured the contributions of past players while expressing gratitude to the sponsors who help keep the club afloat.

Among the heartfelt moments of the day was a tribute to club supporter Ian ‘Slate’ Slater, who is battling cancer.

A jersey auction held on the day raised funds for Slate’s ongoing support.

On the field, fans were treated to an intense double header, with the women in action against the Forster Tuncurry Hawks while the men’s team faced off against the South West Rocks Marlins.

The Stingrays women wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Ebony Millgate crossing the tryline with her team’s second touch of the ball.

Rhiannon Moran’s successful conversion gave the Stingrays an early 6-0 lead, setting the tone for what was to come.

Momentum continued for the Stingrays when winger Kaela Harper scored in her team’s next set of six.

Tries to Tiley Hunter, Mia George, Jasmyn Barbuto and Jessica Palmer continued the pile on.

As the first half drew to a close, Mia George secured her double with another try, further solidifying the Stingrays’ commanding lead at 38-0.

The Laurieton women continued their relentless performance in the second half, with Erin Gunton, Jayme Averillo and Sharni Graham all finding their way across the try line.

Referee Izacc Gaskin-Hogan called the game before full time at 52-0.

Coach Whitney McCabe praised her team’s forceful performance and adherence to their plan.

“Despite the challenge of playing with fewer players to assist the opposing team, the girls went out strong right from the start,” McCabe said.

“They remained focused and stuck to our game plan, keeping our opposition to nil.”

Team captain Emily Wright said the team had momentum heading into the finals and were aiming to go all the way.

It was a different outcome in the men’s game, with the Stingrays’ clash against South West Rocks unfolding as a one-sided affair.

Despite their best efforts, the Stingrays were unable to match the Marlins’ performance level, going down 52-8.

Anthony Cowan was a stand out for the visitors, scoring a hat trick of tries.

Veteran player Mal Webster added two tries of his own.

Luke Hartog and Jae Simon were the lone try scorers for the Stingrays.

With the regular season now over, the Kendall Blues will take a week off after finishing the year as Minor Premiers.

Saturday’s Elimination Final will see South West Rocks take on Lake Cathie Raiders.

Beechwood will take on Laurieton in the Minor Semi Final on Sunday.

By Kim AMBROSE