2nd Grade – Belconnen Magpies beat Ainslie 76 to 74
BMFC Reserves into the grand final with a last minute goal. The reserves took on Ainslie in the preliminary final on Saturday. In fine conditions the Magpies got off to a good start kicking the first 2 goals however they let the tri colours kick the next 2. This was the start of both teams going goal for goal for the next 2 quarters. The pies struggled with their forward entries by blazing away and finding the Ainslie loose men. The last 5 minutes of the third quarter saw Ainslie kick 3 goals to put them head by 3 goals at the last change. The pies came out at 3 quarter time with a massive challenge and the boys responded by kicking the first two goals. An arm wrestle began with both teams defending well and keeping the scoreboard quiet. With about 5 minutes to go the pies got within 2 points however Ainslie once again took it out to 8 points with a goal from a ruck infringement inside 50. The pies eventually pushed the ball down the wing into their forward line and kicked a goal to take the margin back to 2 points. Once again the ball was deep in the pies forward pocket when Joss Whitford snapped a right foot banana to take the lead with 30 sec to go. Ainslie won the centre bounce however it was too late as the final blew. Best players were Whittard, Hodder, Boyd, Burridge. Grand final this Saturday against Queanbeyan at Manuka.
3rd Grade – Belconnen Magpies beat ADFA 78 to 76 to win the Grand Final
The Belconnen Magpies started the game at 2.40pm but unfortunately ADFA started at 2.30pm kicking the first three goals of the game to get a handy break. The ADFA Rams were proving why they were minor premiers and only having one loss in the home and away season moving the ball well and using tall targets. The Pies fought hard to claw back goals in the first half which saw momentum continually swing between both sides but left the Magpies trailing. The championship 3rd quarter saw the Rams kick out to a 20 point lead at the final change which was going to very difficult for the Pies to chase down in the last quarter against a very fit ADFA side. At the start of the last quarter all could tell the Pies were on their game fighting hard to win the contested footy, pressuring and tackling hard, running hard with 3rd and 4th efforts to set up play down the field. The Pies piled on 3 goals in row only to see the Rams fight back with a goal of their own. The Pies threw everything at the Rams and with 2 minutes to go John Gregory took a mark outside the 50 arc and was awarded a 50m penalty due to late contact which took him to the top of the square and he converted the goal putting the Pies in front for the first time in the match. In an incredibly tense final 2 minutes the Pies did what they did best and fought hard as a team to hold off the Rams and secure a memorable victory by 2 points. Best players were Van Diemen, Reardon, Brodie-Reed, Calvert, McHenry and Taylor.
The result seeing the very vocal Rams crowd on the far side go very sheepish. Suppose it was to be expected with such a baaaaaaaaaad ending to the game.
Heath Axelby was the main goal kicker with 3 goals to take his season tally to 73. Heath generously gave his league goal kicking award to the 2010 backline he calls “The Rock” stating that he could not have won the goal kicking award without such a constant and precise supply from the premiership backline. He also said the midfield were ok. It was an emotional day for Axe who broke down in his retirement speech when thanking his outstanding under 18 coach from 1994 Paul Netting.
Special thanks to all those trainers and volunteers who got us on the field every week putting in an outstanding effort over the year. Thanks to Ivan, Collo, Sara, Grace, Terry, Jarvie, Jo, Dixo, Puddles and Skip.
Under 18’s – Belconnen Magpies beat Ainslie 89 to 59
The Belconnen U18s played Ainslie on Saturday for a spot in the 2010 Grand final. Kicking with a slight breeze in the first quarter enabled the lads to put score board pressure on from the start, once again Zac Sheather prove to be focal point up forward kicking 4 goals. Jordan Harper also bagged 4 goals through some smart forward play at ground level. Jackson Maloney rucked very well and is hitting form at the right time of the season. Nick Collins continued to win centre clearances throughout the match and was instrumental in many of our forward attacks. Ben McCabe played his best game for the season and continues to back himself in the one on one contests. The back line was lead by Andrew Courir who continues to nullify the best forwards in the competition displaying great courage and composure. Lachie Harper played his best game for the season and is one to watch come grand final day. The lads face off against Marist in the grand final in what will be our biggest test.
Last Modified on 15/09/2010 09:52