The TDJFL Under 16 Grand Final started in drizzly, windy conditions that were going to make it difficult for both Glengarry and TEDAS. Glengarry were hoping to cap off a memorable season with a win after having not dropped a game for the year, while TEDAS were looking to turn around a 14 goal loss to Glengarry in the Second Semi Final.
Glengarry managed the first goal of the game, and it was not long after when Nick Rutter opened the scoring for TEDAS, when he managed to find some space 20 metres out from goal and kicked truly. Moments later, Nick was in the thick of the action, collecting the ball at half forward and found Brett Chapman on the lead, who kicked TEDASs second goal. Jack Heiser gace Glengarry when he goaled from 40 metres out, as Glengarry started to dominate the packs with more numbers around the ball. Just before quarter time, Matt Cochrane picked up a loose ball, spun past two opponents and handballed to Chapman, who tumbled a mongrel punt forward, whihc was marked by Chris Mann, who finished off the good work with a goal, and TEDAS led at the first break 18 to 16.
As the weather started to clear, the style of play changed and the players skills were coming to the fore. Both teams were attacking the ball with a lot of ferocity, with this quarter between played between both half back lines as neither team was able to gain the upper hand. TEDASs Ryan Foulkes was giving inches away in the ruck as he valiantly tried to nullify the impact of Glengarrys two tall ruckmen. It was this effort that lead to a contested ball spilling out, as TEDAS swooped in the forward line and the resultant snap resulted in a goal to maintain a slender lead. Glengarry were creating chances, but were always under pressure when trying to score goals. Ben May for Glengarry took a strong pack mark and goaled shortly before half time, reducing the margin to 1 point at the long break.
The third quarter started with Glengarry going striaght into attack. With the ball in their goal square, a strong tackle from Jack Heiser saw the ball come free, with Matt Berry seizing the opportunity to soccer the ball off the ground for a goal and give Glengarry the lead. The proceeding restart saw Glengarry attcking once more, with jack Heiser winning a free kick 12 metres out and kicking their second for the quarter and maybe the opening of the flood gates. Ryan Foules was in everything this quarter, winning a free kick 25 metres out, but missed. Shortly after, he received another free kick, this time passing to Matt Frescura, who made no mistake and pegging back the lead to just 4 points. TEDAS managed another point, and as a result of the kick in, Zac Gray collected the ball at the contest and slotted through a goal on the run to give his side the lead again by 2 points. TEDAS lifted after this, and through some great teamwork and chain of handballs, Mitchell Hodgson was able to score his first goal of the game by kicking the ball off the ground after a marking contest, extending their lead to 8 points. Glengarry kept on attacking the ball, with Matt Stoddart finding space on the wing, but when his kick was smothered, he followed up and was able to regain posession and find Matt Berry in the pocket with a good pass. Matt was able to convert the kick from a very difficult angle, and at three quarter time, TEDAS held a 2 point lead, 7-3-45 to 6-7-43.
Glengarry started the last quarter looking to attack, but TEDAS would not lie down and their backline stuck to their task and rebounded the ball on each occasion. Ben May had a difficult snap on goal, but managed only a point. Both teams were rushing due to the increased pressure from those not in possession of the ball, and after about 7 minutes of the last quarter, the scores were tied when Matt Berry snapped a point out of the pack. Gelngarry were attacking at every chance with numbers around the contest, but the tEDAS boys just locked them in everytime they took possession. Matt Royal, TEDAS, was in everything this last quarter he he consistently sent the ball back to the middle of the ground with some long kicks out of defence. Against the run of play, TEDAS got the ball in their forward line, and a terrific tackle saw them receive a free kick and shot on goal, but only a point was scored. By now the rain had stopped, and the crowd was out of their cars cheering on both teams in this exciting contest. At one stage, there were 30 players in TEDASs backline as they tried to prevent Glengarry from scoring. Once again, quick transition from their defence saw the ball in their forward line, where a fantastic tackle saw Glengarry penalised for holding the ball. Due to some undisciplined backchat towards the umpire, a 50 metres penalty was awarded and the free kick was taken from the goal square, where a goal was kicked, giving TEDAS a valuable 7 point lead. Glengarry attacked from the resultant centre bounce, but were still having trouble penetrating the TEDAS backline. There wasnt much time remaining and TEDAS had extra men back trying to protect their lead. Alex Bermingham received a free kick 25 metres out from goal, and seconds later the siren sounded signalling a mighty effort from the TEDAS boys. Alex kicked truly and the final margin of 1 point highlighted just how close this game was all day, with TEDAS coming out on top in a fantastic Team Effort, winning 8-4-52 to 7-9-51, and backing up after winning the Premiership in 2008.
Best on Ground was given to Zac Gray from TEDAS in a excellent display of football from the team Captain.
The TDJFL congratulates TEDAS on winning this years Premiership, and highlights what a great game this is when these boys were able to ignore the result from two weeks ago and win today.
Last Modified on 21/09/2009 23:41
