The Under 14 Grand Final was played in your typical wintery conditions after the heavens opened up along with the wind. It made the ball like a piece of soap and full credit to all the boys who threw themselves into every contest, despearate to win the ball and keep it moving into their forward lines. With scoring proving very difficult, West End managed the only goal of the quarter when SHane Kosterman collected the ball in the goal square after a mad scramble and slotted it through, giving them a 9 point lead at quarter time.
The second quarter was much of the same as the first, with the rain continuing to fall. West Ends Ashden Downe managed to kick the only goal of the quarter, while Pax Hill could only manage a couple of behinds when they were able to get the ball forward. Both teams continued to fight hard for the contested ball, making things difficult for the Umpires, but they were doing a great job considering the conditions. At the half time siren, West End were leading 2-5-17 to 0-2-2.
The third quarter started with a West End push forward. Jordan Cunico delivered the ball to Fraser Brouns, who gave it back, and with a long kick towards the goal square, where Jimmy Spector collected the ball and snapped truly, despite the efforts of Pax Hills full back, Chrsitian Buykx-Smith. Aaron Scullin and Rohan Hilderbrand were in everything for Pax Hill, as their strived to get their team back into the match with fierce attack on the ball to try and get it down to their forwards. But their job was proving to be very hard, as David Fromberg and Jakota Rohde from West End seemed to be in everything across half back for West End, taking marks and kicking long out of defence. Another good dual was that between the big men, Ben Northover and Fraser Brouns, with both of them covering a lot of ground in the ruck. Towards the end of the quarter, the rain finally stopped, but it was still very greasy. Jordan Cunico slotted through his first goal of the game after a nice mark, extending West Ends lead to 29 points at the final change.
Both teams knew they had 20 minutes of play left for the year, and the coaches urged their players to give more and continue to attack the ball and find their team mates. It continued to be a dour struggle as neither team was allowing the other any easy possessions. Pax Hills Jarred Hadden kicked a goal during the quarter to reduce the margin, but it was not enough, as West End ran out winners by 28 points, giving the club their first Under 14 Premiership in 10 years.
Overall it was a gutsy display of football between two very even teams, that have developed a rivalry that stems back from the Under 10s, and will sure continue on into the Under 16s. Full credit to the Pax Hill team, as they did not stop trying for the entire game which is great to see in players of this age.
Player judged best on ground was Ashden Downe from West End, another award to go with his League Best and Fairest win and Premiership Medal.
The TDJFL congratulate West End on winning the Under 14 Premiership in 2009.
Last Modified on 30/08/2009 16:45
