The EDFL U/16s performed very well in the Gippsland Junior Carnival on Wednesday winning two of its three matches. In its opening game the EDFL defeated Alberton by 11 points. In game two it went down by 8 points to the perennial favourites Gippsland and in its final match finished strongly beating Mid-Gippsland by 55 points. The EDFL could consider itself desperately unlucky not to win the Evans Petroleum Cup. Having played its three games the boys championship prospects rested on the outcome of the Alberton versus Gippsland game. Coming into this game the above-mentioned three leagues could all win. The EDFL required Alberton to beat Gippsland while Alberton needed to beat Gippsland by 20 points. The EDFL had the cup in their grasp until a goal inside the last two minutes followed by a behind with the last kick of the game gave the GFL a one point victory over Alberton and with it three wins to seal overall victory.
Nonetheless well done to all players. All acquitted themselves well and made a contribution over the three games. Captain and rover Mitchell Cammarano played unselfishly and burrowed in all day and received terrific support from Vice-captain Mitchell Leek who was hard in and around the packs. Midfielders Bailey Beck, Will Gibson and Rhys George won a stack of the ball, Patrick Griffa used his pace to good effect behind centre and Trent McMahon did plenty of nice things. The smalls received great support from ruckman Levi Munns. Key defenders Joel Motta and Jason Cox offered strong resistance with good support from Brody Sungalis and Darcy Jones.
Jake Tabone kicked goals in two games and along with Cooper Hampton and Lauchlan Gregson all showed they both have a promising future. However the star of the forward line was undoubtedly Matt Ryan. The tall Cora Lynn forward bagged eight goals across the three games to be awarded the EDFL best player of the carnival award. He led and marked well and showed he was a smart finisher.
And also huge congratulations to his Cora Lynn team mate Levi Munns who emerged as a player to watch with his terrific tap work and ball winning ability around the ground and who was awarded the best player of the U16 Evans Petroleum Cup medal by the umpires.
Big thanks to all those in support roles. It is important to acknowledge coach Matt Stevens, his assistant Daniel Mason along with team manager Ian Legg and trainers Alan Massaro and Tony Stewart. Apologies to any helper not mentioned.
Last Modified on 07/07/2016 01:06