BY PAT CAVANAGH  

THE GRAND Finals of the Sunshine Coast Gympie Rugby League were played at the Sunshine Coast Stadium last Sunday, September 13.

In the A Grade, Coolum were defeated 20 points to 12 by Caloundra.

Coolum started well with a try and conversion in the second minute of the game.

They continued to attack Caloundra’s line, but a wayward kick by Coolum resulted in a run-away try for Caloundra.
This caused the momentum of the game to change as Caloundra grew in confidence.

A further try and conversion for Caloundra saw them take a 12 to 6 lead to the half-time break.

Coolum came out in the second half and showed more determination in their attack and defence; however, they struggled to build pressure on Caloundra during the second half and found themselves defending for long periods.

Coolum’s attack became disjointed while at the same time Caloundra went on to score two more tries during the second half.

Coolum scored late in the second half but couldn’t overcome an energised and dominant Caloundra.

Club Secretary Zarn Love said that while it was disappointing not to come away with the win, the Club was proud of the team’s effort in playing in their second A Grade Grand Final in three years.

“The Coolum Colts had a good 2026 with three of our teams playing in the finals series.”

The Colts will now look to the off-season to build on their 2026 momentum and come back energised and ready to take on the 2027 season and hopefully go all the way in the A Grade.