In the Under 16 Preliminary Final, Southside were hoping to continue the trend of earlier games today that saw all of the higher placed teams be defeated and get the chance to play City Juniors in the Grand Final next week.
The first quarter got on the way and it wasn't long before Southside were on the scoreboard with a minor score. The ball was travelling between both backlines, creating limited opportunities for each team. Both managed to score a goal, before Southside's James May Jordan increased Southside's lead just before quarter time with a snap out of the pack to dribble through a much needed goal.
The second quarter was much of the same as the first, very tight as both teams tried to gain the ascendancy. As they both continued to attack, cracks started to appear at both ends, with West End taking full advantage, kicking the first three goals of the quarter to Thorburn, Davis & Kosterman. To the credit of Southside, they stuck to their task and were eventually rewarded with a couple of goals to Tripodi and May-Jordan, and with another goal each before half time, West End went into the long break with a 3 point lead.
Brock Rowson from Southside kicked the opening goal of the third quarter to get the lead back for them, but not long after, West End's Ben Davis kicked truly and West End were back in front. Ben Davis managed to create a goal out of nothing through much pressure and extend West End's lead. With about 5 minutes of play remaining in the quarter, West End extedned their lead to 18 points with another goal, before James May-Jordan from Southside kicked his third of the game, reducing the margin to 12 points at the last change.
Both backlines came back into contention in this last quarter, restricting the scoring opportunities of both teams. West End boys managed to kick two goals to one in the final term, and hold and and win this game 69 to 51 in a good tight contest of junior footy. The game was played with much spirit and Southside never stopped trying until the final siren.
West End now have the chance to knock off City Juniors again in the Grand Final, whilst City Juniors will be hoping to see out the season undefeated and win the first independant flag for the Club since its entry into the TDJFL.
Last Modified on 31/08/2011 00:11