Weekend wrap: Douehi dazzles, Vixens claim epic win, and Wahs’ wāhine defy the odds

If you had to sum up the weekend's sporting action, it would be upsets and unpredictability. So let's dive in!

Adam Douehi was the glue that held the West Coast Tigers together in their spirited 28-14 win over the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs at Commbank Stadium on Sunday.

The Tigers’ utility played a key role, earning deserved man of the match honours through a combination of game-smart decisions and heart.

Douehi had a hand in key moments for the Tigers, breaking through the line, assisting tries, and even going coast-to-coast after capitalising on a Bulldogs’ error. His presence laid the foundation for a dominant 20-4 halftime lead. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton crossed the line less than a minute into the contest with a near try, but momentum later swung in favour of the black and orange team.

Jeral Skelton opened the scoring with a confident finish on the edge, followed by Jahream Bula, who marked his return from injury with a try just over five minutes later.

Wests Tigers captain Jarome Luai. Photo/West Tigers/Facebook

Skelton then bagged a double before the 30-minute mark, sending the Tigers into overdrive.

The Bulldogs managed to claw one back through Jacob Preston just before halftime, briefly disrupting the opposition’s rhythm, but the Tigers stayed composed and closed out the match.

Tensions were high, especially between Tigers captain Jarome Luai and former team-mate Lachlan Galvin, who settled with a hug after the match following an intense small first-half encounter.

Despite the controversy around Galvin’s mid-season departure from the Tigers, Luai says their focus was only on the team’s performance.

“We didn’t want to use it as a distraction for us. It was all about us this week,” Luai told reporters.

As the Tigers chase consistency in the backend of the season, they go into a bye this week on a high note.

Suncorp Super Netball: Fever vs Vixens

In what may be the biggest upset in Suncorp Super Netball history, the Melbourne Vixens clinched a 59-58 victory over the favourites, West Coast Fever, in a thrilling Grand Final at Rod Laver Arena on Saturday.

For Vixens head coach Simone McKinnis, who has led the Melbourne side for 13 years, the win was a fairytale ending.

After an inspiring three-quarter-time speech last week against the New South Wales Swifts that generated attention online, fans across Australia wanted McKinnis to finish on a high.

Melbourne Vixens after winning their third Suncorp Super Netball title. Photo/Melbourne Vixens/Facebook

While the Fever came into the Grand final as Minor premiers, it was the Vixens’ defensive effort and grit that edged them ahead of their opponents.

One of the standout battles was between Fever Goal Shooter and Jamaican Sunshine star Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, up against new Australian Diamond defender Rudi Ellis.

Fowler-Nembhard showed her regular-season dominance early, easily converting shots. But the Vixens’ defence rose to the occasion at crucial moments.

Ellis energised the home crowd with a vital intercept off Fowler-Nembhard in the first quarter, setting the tone for her team’s performance, which was characterised by grit and determination.

As the Fever trailed by only five points heading into the final 15 minutes, they threatened a comeback, but the Vixens ensured they wouldn’t let the match slip away.

Ellis continued her standout performance with precise footwork and effective space awareness, shutting down the combination of Fowler-Nembhard and Goal Attack Shanice Beckford.

Despite moments of brilliance from the Fever in the second half, a significant difference in conversion rates ultimately sealed their fate.

Similar to the Mystics’ performance against the Mainland Tactix in the New Zealand ANZ Premiership final, the Fever struggled to maintain cohesion, despite flashes of hope for their fans.

With McKinnis’ farewell after three premierships, Melbourne was filled with smiles and well-deserved celebrations.

NRLW: Warriors vs Cowboys

The upsets continued in women’s sports as a united women's Warriors side defeated the North Queensland Cowboys, who are in the top four on the ladder, 12-6 at Go Media Stadium on Sunday.

While the weather in Newcastle failed to cooperate, the women Wahs delivered a stellar performance, showcasing their talent with debutants shining brightly.

Prop Ivana Lauitiiti scored her first try in the NRLW, levelling the score with the Cowboys after a previously disallowed try from winger Tyra Wetere in the first half.

Lauititi’s debut performance included strong defensive plays, highlighted by a key tackle against Cowboys fullback Jakiya Whitfeld while trying to advance from their own half.

The Wahs’ forwards were a driving force behind their success, with players like Metanoia Fotu-moala backing up Lautiti’s impressive efforts.

Although an unsuccessful challenge right on full-time by the Cowboys for a potential strip, the Wahs managed to hold off the side from Queensland and secure their second win of the season.

Ron Griffiths and his side will reset before heading back across the ditch when they face the Bulldogs on Saturday.