In what has turned out to be a Cindarella story, the TDJFL Under 16s have become the 2011 Interleague Premiers! It is a well deserved outcome to a bunch of boys and coaching panel that have kept looking for improvement from Day 1 and have achieved the ultimate prize!!
The boys did not get off to a great start on Day 1 of the carnival, losing to Sale by 50 points. In their next game, they found themnselves down by about 20 points at three quarter time against Bairnsdale, but managed to outscore them into the wind and sneak home with a 2 point victory, and then on Day 2, accounted for Omeo & District by 34 points to finish second and qualify for the Grand Final, and a chance of redemption against Sale.
In what might be described as wintery conditions with gale force winds and rain, it did not allow for these players from both sides to show case their true talents in this Grand Final. The Traralgon boys got off to a solid start and controlled most of the play with the aid of the wind, but were unable to get the score on the board as Sale's backline held firm. Traralgon were first to score a major, but Sale also scored into the breeze and at quarter time, Traralgon lead by a point.
The second quarter was a real arm wrestle, as Traralgon's back six were outstanding in denying and rebouding many Sale attacks forward. The game was being played between Traralgon's half forward line and their backline, as the rain started to fall, making it very difficult for the players. In the last five minutes of the second quarter, the Traralgon boys took their opportunities and with the forwards playing in front, were able to score two late goals to take a 13 point lead into the long break and a big boost in self confidence.
Some much needed reinforcement by the Coaching Staff of Mossy, Kev and Beav's during half time, had the boys out and firing in the third quarter and continue to dominate the game with much of this quarter, the ball in their forward line. With some great team play and being more desperate for the ball, the Traralgon side managed to score a further two goals to no score and hold a four goal lead at the last change.
With instructions to keep their play simple and really look to bring it home, the boys went out for the last quarter keen to maintain and extend their lead and get the win. The rain started to get heavier, making the ball like a cake of soap, very hard to control and pick up.Neither team in the first ten minutes were able to get on top, as the ball went forward and back between the two backlines. Sale then kicked a goal, as they never gave up, and then another from an unorthodox free kick that no-one seemed to understand, and with five minutes to go, the margin was two goals. Sale started to increase their intensity and with less than five minutes to go, they kicked their third for the quarter, and trailled by 5 points, with plenty of time left and kicking with the wind. In a nail biting finish, the Traralgon players held out their rivals to get the fairytale finish to the carnival with a Premiership, and a 55 point reversal of their first encounter in an outstanding effort!!
It was a truly magnificent win by a group of players that belived in their own ability, took on board the game plan of the Coaching Staff, and succeeded in getting the result they richly wanted and deserved.
Final Score Traralgon 5-4-34 to Sale 4-5-29
Goal Kickers - J. Luddeni 2, D. Tripodi 2 and Will Lowe 1
Best players - Conor Sloyan, Corey Beaver, Jason Dalla Bona, Troy Forrest, Jake Scorse and Sam Clavarino
The Traralgon Team was:
Kayan Bundle, Jacob Albanese, Justin Dalla Bona, Jake Scorse, Sam Clavarino, Corey Beaver, Dylan Higginbottom, Troy Forrest, Mitchell Jones, Mitchell Barry, Tyson Williams, Jordyn Gilroy, Jake Fatchen, Raymond Heywood, Matthew Ripper, Jay Luddeni, Connor Sandy, Doug Grining, Connor Sloyan, Nathan Robinson, Peter harasimiuk, Dalton Tripodi, Ben Coffey and Alister Salerno and WILL LOWE!!!!!
Coached by Eamon Fahy, Kevin Foley and Jeff Beaver
Traralgon Under 16s and Under 12s were both awarded the Code of Conduct Awards for the Carnival.
Last Modified on 21/07/2011 14:26
