Marong defeated a fast finishing Eaglehawk in the 2008 Bendigo Youth Girls Cup on the weekend. Last year's premiers, Eaglehawk, overcame injury and poor form earlier this season to triumph over North Bendigo in the Elimination Final, and almost did the same against Marong in the final game of the year.
Torrential rain, wind and hail greeted the players and crowd of over 300 before the game, creating slippery and challenging conditions that appeared to close the gap between the two teams. As anticipated, Marong kicked the opening goal within seconds and dominated the play through the midfield. Eaglehawk responded well through having numbers at the ball and continually pushing the ball goalwards with every opportunity. With the wind favouring the grandstand end at North Bendigo, Marong appeared to have made a clear break in the third quarter by using the wind and kicking truly. The final quarter however proved to be a classic tussle, as Eaglehawk refused to give up. With Marong leading by a solitary goal, Eaglehawk had all the play as a tiring Marong defense struggled to run out the game. Eaglehawk's Francesca Rinaldi, who was sublime all day, had the opportunity to even up the score with three minutes to go, as did another of her team mates shortly after, however neither of them were able to kick a major, leaving Eaglehawk trailing by four points at the final siren.
The game was a brilliant display of Youth Girls football from both teams, demonstrating the fast development of the competition and it's players. Best on ground was awarded to Millicent Hipwell from Eaglehawk, who ducked and weaved her way through traffic all day, whilst for Marong, it was the indefatigable Emma Lynch in the ruck who received the honours from the umpires.
Grand Final |
6.3-39 |
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Marong |
2:00 PM Sun 31/Aug
Atkins St Ground |
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def. |
5.5-35 |
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Eaglehawk |
Marong
Goal Kickers: L. Wilkie 3, D. Winning 2, R. Simmons Best Players: E. Lynch, K. Else, D. Winning, R. Simmons, L. Wilkie Eaglehawk
Goal Kickers: S. Baldwin, R. Mouritz, M. Hipwell, T. Hemming, B. Elliott Best Players: S. Baldwin, H. Cue, G. Allison, F. Rinaldi, M. Hipwell
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Last Modified on 23/02/2009 12:40