1994 1st XV111 Premiership Team
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Backs
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Jason Bell
(16)
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Chris Wilson
(20)
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Darren Scott
(18)
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Half Backs
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Paul Trimby
(10))
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Bevan Cleeland
(11)
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Scott Lothian
(26)
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Centres
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Denis Brooks
(21)
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Jon Varcoe (Coach)
(3)
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Steve O`Connell
(2)
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Half Forwards
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Scott Waasdorp
(14)
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Craig McKimmie
(15)
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Mick Limbrick
(6)
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Forwards
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Danny Irwin
(7)
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Trevor Sprunt
(47)
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Shane Moore
(42)
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Rucks
|
Greg Hixon (Captain)
(23)
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Graham Walker
(29)
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|
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Rover
|
Neil Walker
(17)
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|
|
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Interchange
|
Jamie Waasdorp
(40)
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John Hommes
(46)
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Waaia: 6.2, 11.8, 14.7, 18.9 ~ 18.9 (117)
Picola United: 2.1, 4.5, 10.8, 11.8 ~ 11.8 (74)
Waaia Goals: Danny Irwin 4, Neil Walker 3, Mick Limbrick 3, Craig McKimmie 2,
Trevor Sprunt 2, Jamie Waasdorp 2, Steve O`Connell 1,
Jon Varcoe 1.
Waaia Best Players: Greg Hixon, Neil Walker, Paul Trimby, Scott Waasdorp, Jason Bell, Trevor Sprunt
Best Player in the Grand Final: Greg Hixon
*Shepparton News, Monday, September 12, 1994 ~ by Kevin Tyler*
Waaia triumphs again
Waaia has added the 1994 Picola League premiership to its impressive trophy array after downing Picola by 43 points on Saturday.
The Bombers were to slick for Picola and by the end of the first quarter, the game was all but over, with the Bombers holding a four goal lead.
The stage was set for a Bomber win when the Waaia Reserves defeated Deni Rovers in a shock result in the curtain raiser.
The Bombers` small brigade hit the ground running, and at no stage let the Blues runners settle, and apart from Russel Byrnes, the Picola small men were generally unsighted in this quarter.
Greg Hixon was dominating the centre bounces, while Mick Limbrick, the Waasdorp brothers and Craig McKimmie were well in control at ground level.
Coach, Jon Varcoe was marshalling his troops like a general, and Picola were not in the hunt.
Quarter time scores, Waaia 6.2 (38) to Picola 2.1 (13).
The second quarter started in much the same way as the first, with the Bombers scoring goals at will, while the Picola forwards were being starved by the Bomber`s total control of the mid field.
However persistence pays off, and the Blues slowly started to get their flowing style of play working, but poor field disposal was hurting with too many unforced turn overs ending promising forward thrusts.
Blues captain Colin Low lifted and so did his side`s fortunes.
Steve Kightley on the wing gained valuable possessions, and with Byrnes still on top in the centre of the ground, Darren Florence began to take some grabs, and was becoming a danger to the Bomber defence.
But for poor kicking at goal the Blues might have been much closer at half time, but trailed by 43 points,
Half time scores, Waaia 11.7 (73) to Picola 4.5 (29).
The game to this stage lacked any feeling, as most of the crowd were expecting a Bomber victory, and it looked as if Waaia expected one as well, in fact there only the Picola players and coaching staff who had other ideas.
While Jon Varcoe closed the door of the Waaia rooms to fans, Russell Byrnes used his followers to motivate his dejected players.
This ploy worked in a big way for the Blues.
Big Brent Smith who had been loafing in the forward line was moved into the ruck, and his height and strength became a telling factor.
Right from the first bounce of the second half, it was obvious, the Blues were back. Smith began giving his smaller men first use of the ball, and then Picola began to attack through the centre corridor, the direct way home.
Glen Edwards, who had been unsighted in the first half, was taking marks, Florence became a focal point for the Blues and the smaller players, Henry Button, Colin Bell and Colin Low went up a gear, and were having an influence at last.
However, after dominating play for the quarter a mark to Mick Limbrick on the 50m line right on the three quarter time siren from which he goaled was virtually the nail in the coffin for the Blues.
Three quarter time scores, Waaia 14.7 (91) to Picola 10.8 (68).
The final quarter began with the Bombers back on top, although scoring was not easy, the longer the quarter went on it was obvious that the Blues were not going to bridge the gap.
A four goal to one quarter and it was all over, it was another Bomber flag, and while Waaia supporters were celebrating a sombre Russell Byrnes told his players that he was proud of their effort, and called on them to use the game as a learning experience for the future.
Final scores, Waaia 18.9 (117) to Picola 11.8 (74).
The Victorian Country Football League medal which has become part of country tradition for best player in the grand final was presented to Waaia ruckman, Greg Hixon who apart from the third quarter totally controlled the ruck duels and took many telling marks.
Umpires for the game, Ron Pell and Gary Wood did an excellent job, and following the game complimented players from both sides on their disciple.
Coaches comments
Jon Varcoe (Waaia): Our players were totally committed, and the win came from an all round effort.
Russell Byrnes (Picola): We were beaten at ground level, and could not cover all the Waaia running players. Had we been able to convert early in the game and had been closer at half time, it might have been a different result.
