A DOMINANT first half set up a comprehensive victory for College as they romped to a 45-point win over Imperials in Wangaratta and District Junior Football League’s under 12 grand final.
After an even opening the Blues took over, controlling the ball from the middle and repeatedly pumping it forward.
Goals to Hayden Sampson and Hunter Gottschling saw them bolt away before Alexander Dowsley got the Imps’ first late in the quarter to get the deficit back to a manageable 21 points at the first break.
But the procession continued in the second term as College midfielders Alex McCarthy and Harvey Burgan controlled the clearances despite the best work of Imps ruckman Tyler Norton.
Norton literally did not lose a hit out all day but had little support from his on-ball brigade as the Blues repeatedly swept the ball toward their goals from each centre bounce.
Sampson continued to present well and by halftime had five goals against his name, ensuring that College’s lead was almost out of reach already.
Dowsely’s first quarter goal remained the only one for Imperials, while the Blues had eight at the long break to lead by 43 points.
A pleading Craig Coonan asked the Imps for a lift but it didn’t come and College continued to pepper the sticks with another six-goal quarter in the third.
Joel Smith chimed in with two clever goals, while McCarthy and small forward Harry Nolan joined in too.
As Imperials trudged to the three quarter time huddle, still with just the solitary goal, the Blues were now up by 77 points and the premiership was theirs.
A spirited final quarter effort saw Imps kick five unanswered goals to add a bright spot to what was a disappointing day, but it was all too late.
McCarthy was the stand out for the Blues, racking up possessions at will, and duly took home the best on ground medal.
He had plenty of mates though with Gottschling finishing with three goals from centre half forward and Lachlan Bray, Hunter Calvene and Will O’Keefe all doing their bit.
For Imperials Norton tried his heart out.
Joe Allen and James McIntyre, playing through the middle and down back, were tireless in an effort to stem the tide and Dowsley finished with two goals and spent some time in the ruck.
Overall the Imps just couldn’t get their hands on the ball and the best team all year deservedly took home the premiership in a totally dominant display.
16th September, 2015.
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Last Modified on 28/09/2015 12:44
