Cougars roar in Grand-Final
The University Cougars have come from nowhere to claim the 2014 Under 14 McDonald's Shield premiership after defeating the Dalby Swans by 43-points in the Grand-Final.
Finishing third in the home and away season, the Cougars had the toughest pathway to September glory.
However, the accomplished that task and much more. After defeating Coolaroo the reigning premiers by an impressive 122 points in the elimination final, the Cougars hung on in thrilling fashion to beat the gallant Tigers by 1-point in the preliminary final.
Many had commented throughout the week that University played their Grand-Final against the Cougars and the premiership cup was heading to Dalby.
University however didn't get that script and saved their best performance of the year for when it mattered.
Dalby came out of the blocks all guns blazing kicking the opening major in the first 120 seconds of the match. University were quick to respond and kicked the next three goals of the game, to lead by 14-points at the first break.
Joint Col Wells Medallist, Tom Matthews was receiving close attention from Cougars tagger Sibit Mack but Matthews got the better of Mack in the second quarter major and set up a lot of the Swans attacking raids. However, the Swans were only able to kick the 1 major, as the Cougars were able to kick home 2 goals to extend their lead out to 18-points at the long break.
Big games demand big plays from players and University captain Abdullah Haddad stood up in the third quarter.
Haddad's stoppage clearance work was first class and lifted his side, as the Cougars went on to kick 4-goals to 1 in the third quarter that all but set up the premiership success.
Though both teams know that the game isn't over until the final siren and the final term was one for the ages.
Both teams intensity lifted with Cameron Ferguson, Henry Burt and Matthews all trying to lift the Swans at different stages in the final stanza. However Haddad and the work rate of Andrew Bani-Freeman and Harry Potter led the way in the final term for University.
The Cougars kicked 2.3 to the Swans 1.2 to secure the 2014 premiership.
University Cougars 11.7 (73) defeated Dalby Swans 4.6 (30)
DALBY
Goal Kickers: T. Matthews 2, H. Burt 2
UNIVERSITY
Goal Kickers: D. Akol 3, A. Bani-Freeman 2, J. Carlin 2, H. Potter , A. Kweng , E. Fallah , A. Haddad
Kim Thomas Medallist: A. Haddad
Abdullah Haddad was judged the Kim Thomas Medallist as the best player on ground after receiving the maximum 3 votes from all 3 judges.
Kim Thomas Medal Voting
(3 ballots 3,2,1 voting by independent judges)
Abdullah Haddad (University) - 9 votes
Tom Matthews (Dalby) - 4 votes
Sibit Mack (University) - 2 votes
Andrew Bani-Freeman (University) - 2 votes
Henry Burt (Dalby) - 1 vote
Last Modified on 09/10/2014 15:12
