Mid North Coast played Illawarra in their first game and started strongly against their more fancied opposition. In wet, slippery conditions Mid North Coast used their pace and skills against their taller opposition and won the game by 10 points,
4-5-29 to 3-1-19 .
With only a short break in between games next opponent for the Mid North Coast was the team from Central Coast. Mid North Coast took the game up to them from the start and had a convincing win 6-8-44 to 2-3-15.
The Mid North Coast team was on a role and playing fantastic, skillful footy. Next up they faced the home team from Hunter. The Mid North Coast team was well aware that if they won this match a spot in the final awaits. The players went into the match like their previous match’s using their ball skills and speed at every opportunity. When the siren went the Mid North Coast team had hung on for a well deserved 5 point win 6-6-42 to 6-1-37.
The Mid North Coast team had won all pool matches and had advanced to the final for the first time in the Hunter Invitational Shield. Mid North Coast would be playing Illawarra in the final and everyone knew it would be a close game as conditions where now much more suited to the Illawarra team. Only 10 points had separated the two teams earlier in the day and this ensured a close contest in the final. The final was tight from the start with both teams having limited scoring opportunities; neither team was able to retain the lead. When the final siren sounded the scores where level and extra time would be needed. In the first minute of extra time Mid North Coast scored a valuable goal and this would be enough to secure victory and for the first time win the Hunter Invitational Shield 3-9-27 to 2-8-20. The coach and players families and supporters where just as excited as the players themselves and proud of what the team had achieved. Coach Wayne Nelson commented after the win “The win was fantastic and a by product what we (AFL Mid North Coast) have achieved over a few short years. The good news is that half of the team will be back to play again next year. The continuing development of Junior AFL on the Mid North Coast will put us in good stead for years to come”.
Last Modified on 26/04/2011 19:38