University has won the 2012 Reserve Grade premiership with a 42 point win over Coolaroo at Gold Park on Saturday.
The Cougars came into the match as heavy favourites winning all 4 past encounters between the sides in the first year the competition has been played since 2001.
The match began with University kicking a couple of quick goals before Coolaroo steadied, kicking one of their own with the breeze. Coolaroo coach Dave Flemming had clearly made a directive to his players to tackle the University players quickly and with force because every time they touched the ball, they were instantly taken to ground.
University took an 11 point lead into the first break after a late goal saw them kick their fourth for the match.
The second quarter ran much to a similar script with the cooler Coolaroo heads being able to negotiate the at times tricky wind to kick 2 goals to the Cougars 1 and only trail by 9 points.
Immediately after half time the Roos came out with even more intensity than the first quarter, punishing every Cougar who got possession and forced them into some errors, allowing the margin to be closed to 1 point after a Chris Jackson goal. However that is where the run ended with University eventually managing to find some space to kick the next 6 goals for the match to run out comfortable victors in the end.
Eddie Tong was superb up forward, kicking 4 goals for the Cougars as was Connor Pyke who was awarded the best on ground award. Riak Deng also played his part kicking 4 goals including the sealer in the 4th quarter after which he celebrated in a very similar way to many soccer players, posing in front of the camera.
For the three clubs who competed in the competition in 2012, congratulations on your efforts and hopefully some other clubs jump on board next season to further expand the game.
Grand Final Result: University 11.10 (76) d Coolaroo 5.4 (34)
Best on Ground: Connor Pyke (University)
Reserve Grade Best & Fairest: Connor Pyke (University) & Eddie Tong (University) – 6 votes
Runner-Up Best & Fairest: Tom Wainwright (South Toowoomba) – 5 votes
Leading Goalkicker: Connor Pyke (University) – 20 goals
Last Modified on 29/08/2012 11:58
