The SCU Gold Rats have finished the season in the heat, going down to Lennox Head at Maurie Ryan Oval on Saturday.

The Gold Rats were playing their third match in seven days and they came out firing, running hard, dominating early possession and breaking the line at will.

The home sides attack was on song, but it was the defence that, at times, let the them down.

Lennox crossed twice after weathering the storm of SCU attack to lead 12-0, before club stalwart Matt Anderson barged over beside the posts, which was converted for a 12-5 scoreline.

The Rats continued to dominate possession, but 3 tries prior to halftime after defensive misses, saw Lennox Head go the the break up 31-7.

Another Lennox Head converted try 5 minutes after halftime put the result out of the Gold Rats reach, but they never shirked the task.

A late try to Hezekiah Wayne saw the final score 48-14 to round out the home sides season.

The Gold Rats will be very happy with the positive end to the season, with consistent player numbers and committed efforts across the field.

Defensive work in the preseason will see a more competitive SCU side run out in 2025.

In other final round matches, the Casino Bulls dominated Lismore 60-7 and Casuarina did the same against Evans River 80-22.

Richmond Range forfeited to Byron Shire and Wollongbar Alstonville celebrated playing at their new home ground and their Minor Premiership with a come from behind victory over Ballina 35-24.

The Final Series is now set, with Byron Shire and Casuarina meeting in the Minor Semi Final next Saturday in Ballina and Ballina and Casino clashing on Sunday in the Elimination Final in Casino.

The Lismore Women's side will play Byron on Saturday in the Minor Semi Final and the Lismore Colts will clash with Yamba, also on Saturday in the Minor Semi Final.