Zwolle Wolves complete unbeaten season with emphatic Grand Final victory

Sam Klumpert (Zwolle Wolves) holds the Jason Bruygoms Trophy after being carried off injured during the match.

On 1 August, the two leading teams of the season met in the final, with the undefeated Zwolle Wolves taking on runners-up Amsterdam Cobras. The Grand Final was played at the Brabant Bears and hosted by Rugbyclub The Vets in Valkenswaard.

It was Amsterdam who made the perfect start. The Cobras scored the opening try to take an early 0-6 lead, immediately showing the Wolves that the championship would not simply be handed to them.

The Amsterdam advantage did not last long, however. Zwolle quickly moved up a gear and began to demonstrate why they had remained undefeated throughout the season. The Wolves looked extremely well prepared, played with confidence and showed the benefits of a team that trains and plays together regularly. Their combinations, pace and understanding of each other's game became increasingly difficult for the Cobras to handle.

With tries from, among others, Mike Prins, Dimitri Haringa and Rowan Schuiling, Zwolle took control of the contest. After Amsterdam's early score, the Wolves produced an impressive run of points and continued to increase their advantage as the game progressed.

To their credit, the Cobras kept fighting and managed to add further points later in the match. Duane Bloem and Nander de Bruin deserve special mention for their performances and determination on the Amsterdam side.

As the final progressed, however, the difference between the teams became increasingly clear. While Amsterdam lacked some of the experience and established combinations needed at crucial moments, Zwolle operated like a well-drilled unit. The Wolves looked fitter, more settled and were clinical whenever opportunities presented themselves.

Further scores from Ferre de Poorter, Tijhe Wijbenga , Sylvan Vonken and their teammates eventually took Zwolle to an emphatic 64-14 victory.

The win completed an unbeaten season for the Zwolle Wolves and carried some extra significance. In 2023, the Wolves lost the final to the Amsterdam Cobras. This time, in Valkenswaard, the tables were well and truly turned as Zwolle claimed a convincing piece of sporting revenge.

It was also the Wolves' first Grand Final victory in four years, making the triumph even sweeter and providing a fitting reward for a team whose preparation, teamwork and consistency had been evident throughout the season.

Dimitri Haringa, Mike Prins and Rowan Schuiling were among the standout performers for Zwolle, while Duane Bloem and Nander de Bruin deserve an honourable mention for the Amsterdam Cobras.

Final score: Zwolle Wolves 64 – Amsterdam Cobras 14.

After an early Amsterdam warning, the Wolves took complete control: an emphatic Grand Final victory, sporting revenge for 2023 and, above all, a deserved championship to complete an undefeated season.