Old Collegians will tackle reigning champions Burnside for the 2024 Premier Grade title after producing a 25-17 upset win over Brighton in Week 2 of RUSA Finals.
The minor premiers looked short odds to progress after an Aidan Flynn burst saw Logan Brown cross for the Tigers' third try in 30 minutes.
Brown's score opening up a 17-0 lead in Tanunda following earlier tries to Pita Nakarawa and Jaden Phillips but Old Colls weren't to be denied, driving over through Ben Viljoen five minutes before oranges to spark a 25-point run and book their grand final ticket in style.
Lemeki Cagi was key to the second-half resurgence, breaking free in the 44th minute to set up Chris Barlett under the sticks and carrying three defenders over for his own try on the hour mark.
A pair of late Maxwell Monfries penalty goals also proved key to snuffing Brighton, who denied Ryan Barlow with 10 minutes remaining and marched downfield to ensure late drama at Barossa.
The Tigers turned down multiple shots on goal in their bid to scrum for a five-pointer - a move that looked to have paid off when Lee Hunter barged over.
However, a final twist saw Hunter's try recalled as Old Colls held grimly on, enduring two late yellow cards as the Tigers smashed their line but ultimately ran out of time.
Brighton will nevertheless have two teams to cheer for in Week 3 of RUSA Finals after their Reserve Graders outmuscled Souths 20-14 in the elimination final.
They'll face Old Colls in next week's decider alongside Brighton Gold, who'll tackle Burnside for Third Grade glory after the Double Blues downed Onkaparinga 31-20 in their elimination final.
Meanwhile, Souths will reprise their grand final rivalry with Woodville in next week's women's decider after rolling Burnside 29-10.
Frances Afeaki (nine points) was influential in their elimination final win while Emma Yates, Tamikha McNab, Alia Thomas and Abby Matakanace all crossed for the reigning champs.
Week 2 also saw a bumper round of junior grand finals with Old Colls, Woodville and Brighton taking home silverware.
The Tigers downed Burnside 29-15 to claim the U12 title, Wasps pipped the Tigers 32-31 in U16s, and Old Colls enjoyed success in both the U14s and U18s, beating Adelaide University (31-26) and Brighton (69-0) respectively.
