History was made on Sunday when the Division 5 Goannas made their first finals appearance in the Elimination Final against Pennant Hills at Blacktown International Sports Park. The Goannas made a great start kicking the first goal of the game, and in a see-saw first quarter they made the most of their chances to lead by 4 points. The second quarter started tight, but towards the end the Demons were able to gain the upper hand and at half time they lead by 18 points. Both teams came out and fought hard in the third quarter, but after a long period it was the Demons who broke the scoring drought, and by the last change they had extended their lead to 31 points. The Goannas came out determined to save their season in the last, and kicked the first goal of the term, but were not able to add to this, and in the end went down by 33 points in a gallant display. Mihir Wagle led the way with plenty of run in the midfield, while Stephen Smith was excellent both in the middle and up forward. Brett Rizzo, Tony Mance, Kristin Carville and Shane Riddle were all valiant in defence on a tough day. While they didn’t get the result they wanted on the day, the team is to be congratulated for an outstanding season and we have big hopes for them to go deep in to finals next year. The club gives huge thanks to coach Clive Sharp and captain & team manager Peter Dumesny for the outstanding job they have done with the team in 2015.
Goannas 7.1.43 v Pennant Hills 10.16.76
The Season is over now for the Div 5 boys, but what a great year it has been. From last place and just the 1 win in 2014, to climb to 5th this year and 11 wins. There is plenty of talent in this squad and the future looks bright.
The Goannas Reserves came into their crucial final round game against Wollondilly at Goanna Park knowing a win would secure them a top 2 finish and a double chance in the finals. Both teams took time to find their feet early but soon the Goannas started to take control, and it was only some missed opportunities that restricted their lead to 7 points at quarter time. The second quarter was another even affair with neither team really able to take a stranglehold on the game, with the lead for the Goannas being 10 points at half time. The third term saw the Knights come out strong and take the lead with the first 2 goals of the term, however the Goannas were able to respond and finished the quarter strongly to take the lead back and the margin remained at 10 at the start of the last quarter. Both teams gave their all in the last to get the win and the second chance, however the Goannas dug deep to hold off a fast finishing Knights and claim victory by 3 points. Jordan Pidgeon had an outstanding game and was named best on ground, with Luke Pierce and Josh Bartlett also excellent in the midfield. Andrew Munns, Jesse Haurua and Adam Townsend were all resilient in defence for the Goannas.
Goannas 8.12.60 v Wollondilly 8.9.57
The Goannas Reserves now play Wollondilly again at the Blacktown International Sports Park (Eastern Road, Rooty Hill) this Saturday at 11.10 am in the Qualifying Final.
The Goannas Seniors were looking to sign off their last game at Goanna Park for the year in style when they hosted Pennant Hills. Playing against one of the top teams, the Goannas came out hard and took it right up to the Demons, but trailed by 5 points at quarter time. The second quarter saw the Goannas maintain their attack, and neither team was able to break the shackles, seeing the Demons maintain the lead by 9 points at the long break. The third quarter saw the Goannas really lift their intensity and they came hard at Pennant Hills, closing the gap to just 4 points at the last change and sniffing the possibility of a fantastic win. Despite throwing everything they had at the Demons, the Goannas were not able to close the gap, and the Demons steadied themselves to come away with the win by 15 points. Luke Mansour played a blinder and was named best on ground, with Matt Cahill also excellent in the midfield. Jake Lillis and Brodie Crane were fantastic up forward, while Josh Terrey and Trent Schmutter were strong in defence.
Goannas 8.6.54 v Pennant Hills 10.9.69
The Goannas Seniors final match for 2015 (Round 18) is against the East Coast Eagles at Kanebridge Oval (Commercial Road, Rouse Hill) this Saturday at 10.00 am.
The Goannas Under 19's got the four points when Southern Power called in sick.
This Saturday the Goannas Under 19's are scheduled to play Campbelltown at Monarch Oval at 2.00 pm, but are likely to receive another forfeit as Campelltown have not taken to the field since early July. It's not ideal preparation for their Second Semi Final the following week, but this has been the story of this Competition all year.
Last Modified on 20/01/2016 10:16