A goal in the final minute has seen St George Dragons claim the Division Two Premiership by four points over a gallant UNSW/ES Bulldogs.
In a low-scoring start that has symbolised the Division Two finals series, the first goal came at the fourteen minute mark with Ben Camilleri kicking truly for UNSW/ES. St George would snap a run of behinds with Richard Talbot's goal after the siren giving the Dragons a six-point lead at the first change.
The second quarter saw the game played much in the same vain. Jonathan Shineberg's first goal mid-way through the term was cancelled out shortly after by Casey Stephens. Shineberg would not be stopped as he kicked his second a couple of minutes later. The best goal of the quarter would come from Rob Crocket who snapped beautifully from the boundary line from long range.
The arm-wrestle continued in the third term with both sides only able to register a solitary goal. Matthew Jones opened the account with a great contested mark and subsequent straight set shot to extend St George's lead. It would be the Dragons only scoring shot for the term as Brad Humphrey kicked a great goal under pressure for the Bulldogs shortly afterwards.
The final quarter opened up with both sides playing an enterprising brand of football. Ben Camilleri kicked a goal in the first two minutes and followed up with a great piece of play to keep the ball in and set up Tyson Deering. St George came home like a run away train with a checkside goal from a set shot by Jon Shineberg followed by a goal from a similar angle by Vincent Stevens.
The Dragons were still behind but hit the lead with less than a minute remaining. An uncontested mark, play on and goal from a straight pass outside fifty saw scenes of jubiliation amongst the Dragons' faithful.
Shineberg was a presence forward all day and deserved his Best on Ground Medal. The Bulldogs were well served by George Pallett and Daniel Sprange.
ST GEORGE 1.6, 3.7, 4.7, 7.8 (50)
UNSW/ES 1.1, 3.2, 4.5, 6.10 (46)
GOALS, ST GEORGE :
Jonathan Shineberg 3, Richard Talbot 1, Matthew Jones 1, Vincent Stevens 1, Jonathan Ford 1
UNSW/ES :
Ben Camilleri 2, Casey Stephens 1, Ryan Pike 1, Thomas Falvey 1, Robert Crocket 1
BEST, ST GEORGE :
Jonathan Shineberg, Gavin Raper, Vincent Stevens, Daniel Lim, Ben Carroll, Jacob Stek
UNSW/ES :
George Pallett, Daniel Sprange, Thomas Falvey, Ryan Pike, Brad Humphry, Mark MacDonald
Last Modified on 15/09/2012 18:23
