Two flags for Springy Districts
Daryl Pitman
24Sep07
SPRINGVALE Districts on Saturday won the Southern league division two premiership, completing an exhilarating 25-point win over Dingley in a sensational grand final at Clayton.
The rivalry between the clubs has assumed epic proportions in just one season and after their second semi-final was forced into extra time, it came as no surprise when scores were repeatedly locked in what was an entertaining and enthralling contest.
Districts won 19.11 (125) to 15.10 (100) to claim their fifth senior flag and their first since 1989.
Despite a shoulder injury, century goalkicker Mark Williams took his place in the side and kicked four goals. His little mate Gavin Vassallo kicked five.
The action was fast and furious from the outset, but it was the Demons' smaller players in Adam ``Flea'' Nichols and Vassallo who posed the biggest threat.
Nichols was in everything, while two early goals from Vassallo were pure magic.
The exciting forward snagged the goal of the season from the boundary on his left foot, following it up a short time later with one as equally sensational from the opposite boundary on his right foot. It was as if he was saying, ``Watch me pull a goal out of my hat''.
The Dingoes had their own star in Clinton Brooks, who had thee goals on the board by midway through the second quarter.
Mark ``The Kid'' Charles was also on fire for the Demons and his timely goals provided an inspirational spark just when his team needed it.
The lead changed hands so often that the biggest crowd seen at Clayton in living memory could never decide which team would emerge victorious.
When Brooks was reported and sent off, it appeared the Demons would benefit.
But the Dingoes fought back, as they have done so often in the face of adversity in this finals series.
When they surged to a handy lead early in the final term, the Demons looked in trouble. But Steve Hughes' superb coaching and his unshakeable belief in his players proved equal to the task yet again.
With Darin ``The Big Show'' Joyce playing the game of his life, co-captain Mick Odachowski leading by example and the likes of Leighton Ross and Daniel McKee running on pure adrenalin, Springvale Districts repeatedly went forward, where Vassallo, the Charles boys and Lloyd Wells wrapped up the premiership up in the final 10 minutes of a glorious season of local football.
Vassallo finished with the Meneilly Medal for best-afield, while Mark Charles and Williams bagged four apiece.
Steve Young also did well for the victors, along with Glenn Kemp and Waata Wells. Stalwart Brad Heuvel held Dingley goalkicking machine Adam Quinn to four goals.
At the other end of the ground, Daniel Atkin was superb for the Dingoes against the dangerous Williams, while Adam Ringrose, Josh Williams and Jai Smith kept at it.
Another to give everything was Jake Moore, while Brett Gniel and Stephen Pitt worked tirelessly over four quarters.
As Dingley coach Quinn said after the game: ``I can't ask any more of these players than to give everything they had and they did that today.
``Springvale Districts were too good for us and I congratulate Steve and his boys on their victory.
``Our club has come a long way this season and we'll be back better and stronger next season.'' Quinn had every right to be proud of his team's effort, just as Hughes had every right to savour his club's first premiership in the SFL.
The clubs have set a benchmark for division two that may be difficult to emulate in future seasons, but the memories of their classic battles will be cherished.
Springvale Districts made it a double with an 81-point win over Dingley in the reserves.
Paul Riley coached the team and Jarrod Swan was captain.
The Demons lost only two games for the season, by a total of five points.
Steve Laska won the medal as best-afield.