Gniel winds back the clock, in second half blitz
Veteran Heath Gniel has kicked three final quarter goals to lead the University Cougars into another Grand-Final after defeating Coolaroo by 13-points on Saturday afternoon.
It is nearly 12-months ago, when the Cougars led by over 5-goals and had one hand on the premiership cup, however the Roos stormed home to claim the premiership title. It may not be redemption but it would be sweet revenge with the University Cougars knocking the Roos out and closing the door on back to back titles.
However, the start of the game was all navy and white, as the reigning Premiers kicked the opening four goals of the game with University not kicking their first major until the 17th minute of the term.
Rick Mackay kicked the first of the second term, as University decreased the Roos lead to 4-points. Coolaroo were quick to reply though with goals to Michael Artis, Tom Rudolph and Adam Green the Roos bounced out to a handy 27-point lead late in the quarter.
An 18th minute goal to Joel Yosh reduced the margin to 21-points and gave the Cougars some momentum going into the long break.
After the long break, it was a different University side that came out and stormed back into the contest. The Roos could only manage two goals for the second half, with both coming through young guns Adam Green (3rd Qtr) and Luke Mason (4th Qtr).
Kicking 7 goals to 2, including 4 second half goals to veteran Heath Gniel saw the Cougars regain the lead at the 19th minute mark of the final quarter. It might not of been redemption for the Cougars but a sweet revenge after University's 2013 Grand-Final fade out.
University finished the game 12.12 (84) to 10.11 (71) victors and set up a show-down with the Warwick Redback's in the 2014 Allied Pickford's Decider.
UNIVERSITY
Goal Kickers: H. Gniel 4, J. Yosh 3, A. Reilly , R. Hopkins , R. Neilan , R. Mackay , S. Banim
COOLAROO
Goal Kickers: B. Janetzki 3, A. Green 3, T. Rudolph 2, L. Mason , M. Arti
Last Modified on 18/09/2014 07:45
