Broncos Challenge Wide Bay North Final
Bayside Barracudas 7/8 Boys vs Shalom College (Bundaberg)
12 August 2026 | Hervey Bay Seagulls Fields
The Bayside Barracudas 7/8 Boys secured a hard-fought Broncos Challenge Wide Bay North Final victory on Wednesday, overcoming a determined Shalom College side in an exhilarating contest that was only decided in extra time.
After the scores were locked at 16-all at full-time, the Barracudas held their nerve in golden point conditions, claiming the win by scoring the first try of extra time and capping off a memorable performance in front of their home crowd at the Hervey Bay Seagulls Fields.
From the opening whistle, the match lived up to its billing as a grand final quality encounter. Both teams displayed exceptional intensity in a fast-paced and physical contest, with every possession fiercely contested. The Barracudas made the ideal start, crossing for the opening try following some well-executed attacking football that showcased the confidence and structure developed throughout the season.
Shalom College responded strongly and enjoyed a significant share of possession during the second half. The Barracudas were placed under sustained pressure after failing to complete full sets on several occasions, with four attacking opportunities ending before reaching the fifth-tackle kick. As a result, Bayside found themselves spending extended periods defending deep in their own territory.
Despite the mounting pressure, the Barracudas refused to yield. Their resilience, determination and willingness to work for one another became the defining features of the contest. Strong defensive efforts repeatedly denied Shalom’s attacking advances, while clever and creative football from deep inside their own half demonstrated the effectiveness of the skills and structures rehearsed at training.
The match developed into a classic see-sawing battle, with both teams capitalising on opposition mistakes and momentum swinging repeatedly throughout the afternoon. Shalom’s mobile forward pack posed a constant challenge, forcing the Barracudas to dig deep defensively and overcome missed tackles at crucial moments.
With the game on the line, Bayside returned to their game plan, remaining patient and taking advantage of every opportunity that presented itself. Their composure under pressure ultimately proved decisive as they ground out a thrilling victory and earned the right to progress.
Standout Performers
Zaidyn Olivera
The Barracudas captain led from the front with an outstanding performance at five-eighth. Zaidyn directed the team’s attack with confidence and creativity, producing a dominant display while providing strong leadership throughout the contest.
Tamati Kerr
Tamati delivered a powerful all-round performance, making his presence felt on both sides of the ball. His strong running game continually challenged the defence, while his commitment in defence included several big hits. He was rewarded for his efforts with two tries.
Hunter Bush
Hunter produced a Player of the Match performance from fullback. His defensive contribution was exceptional, highlighted by several outstanding one-on-one tackles. Equally impressive was his work with the ball in hand, consistently providing safe coverage at the back and launching dangerous attacking movements.
Coach’s Comments
Coach Brett Carter praised the team’s determination and ability to stay composed throughout one of their toughest matches of the season.
“The boys knew it would be a tough game against Shalom College and were ready for the challenge. It was a see-sawing game with both teams capitalising on each other’s mistakes. Shalom had a very mobile forward pack which at times caused us to miss tackles, but we went back to our game plan, kept pushing forward and took every opportunity that came our way. The boys put in a great effort and came away with a very tight win.”
The victory was a testament to the character of the Barracudas squad, with every player contributing to an outstanding team performance when it mattered most.
Next Match
The Barracudas now turn their attention to their next challenge as they face Gympie State High School on 2 September 2026 at Jack Stokes Oval, Gympie.
After overcoming one of the toughest tests of their season, the Bayside boys will head into the encounter full of confidence and eager to continue their impressive Broncos Challenge campaign.
