Div 2 prepared for their Qualifying Final with Sydney Uni by taking on...Sydney Uni! The 2 finals combatants took to the field in Round 18 with plenty at stake in Goannas legend Troy Balzan’s 350th. These 2 teams played out a thriller in the final round last season, and lightning struck twice as once again the two teams played out a classic. The Goannas were slow out of the blocks and by quarter time were 5 goals behind and looking down the barrel, and at half time still had a mountain to climb after slightly narrowing the gap. The second half saw a different Goannas outfit take the field, and the first 3 goals of the third quarter got the team right back in it. The last quarter was an arm wrestle, with both teams going goal for goal until the siren sounded – with Sydney Uni edging out the Goannas by 5 points, the first loss for the Blue and Gold since Round 6. Mark Hill was the Goannas best with a towering effort all around the ground and always posing a threat. Matt Cahill provided plenty of run on the wing, Shaun Costello and Nathan McLean were excellent in the midfield, and Mark Hudson had one of his best games for the season when shifted to centre half back showing plenty of attack on the ball.
The Under 18’s boys faced the toughest possible test before their finals campaign when they headed out to Monarch to take on the undefeated Campbelltown. In the end, the boys went down in a heavy loss, but will be better for the experience against the side they will have to take on if they want to take the flag. Gebre Zenebre was best on ground, continuing his wonderful and rapid development in his first year. Billy Katsiris, Jack O’Reilly, Billy McCracken, Marco Coledan and Nathan Lee all tried hard on a tough day. Special mention goes to Jordan Pidgeon who, despite being held goalless, has taken out the goalkicking for the Challenge Cup division, a wonderful effort from an excellent player.
Div 5 rounded out their season with a trip to Malabar to take on Saints AFC. Playing against a side that was trying to secure a finals spot, the boys put in one of their best efforts for the year, however they were not able to match it in the end, and went down by 79 points. Matt Burn was best on ground and will look to carry this form into finals with Div 4. Albert Leung, Russell Witt, Gary Sentance, David Sultana and Mark Bursa all put in big efforts on the day.
Last Modified on 15/03/2012 23:46