A great day for the Norwood Junior Football Club as our U/11 Purples, coached by Gerald Rosman and our U/17 Golds, coached by Graeme Andrew, triumphed in their respective Grand Finals. The Under 11's had gone through the season having lost only 1 game, to their eventual Grand Final opponent Waverley Blues and finishing on top of the ladder with a massive percentage. After a close Semi Final win over UFTG the team were primed from the start of the game and had opened up a small lead by quarter time. They dominated play in the second quarter but couldn't break free of a determined opposition. After half time the boys displayed their best footy in trying conditions, eventually pulling away to win by an impressive 45 points. Coach Rosman was a relieved man after the game with the expectation of the result weighing heavily on him prior to the match. The U/17 Gold team went about it in a totally different manner. After finishing second on the ladder they fronted up to Croydon in a Qualifying Final, winning to advance to the 2nd Semi against their nemesis, Rowville. In a corker of a match, Rowville were able to hold on by 3 points which set up a return match with Croydon in the Preliminary Final. We were never troubled in the Prelim Final, which set up a mouth watering Grand Final between our boys and the unbeaten Rowville team. Coach Andrew was confident the close Semi Final result would weigh heavily on the opposition, although when Rowville had their first goal on the board inside a minute there was some trepidation. The Norwood boys responded well, with fierce tackling and pressure and managed to edge their noses in front at quarter time. From there, the teamwork and determination showed through and we went in 2 goals ahead at three quarter time. In an epic final quarter, just when it looked like Rowville would regain the lead, we responded with a never say die attitude and held on for a fantastic 7 point victory. There were jubilant scenes back at the clubrooms as parents and players embraced, reflecting on their successful seasons.
There was also a down side to the day as both our U/13 and 17 Purple teams were pipped in their deciders. Both teams had done it the hard way, coming through 3 weeks of finals games to reach the decider. The U/13's were up against an undefeated East Ringwood outfit and had we been a bit more accurate in front of goal, the result could have gone the other way. The U/17's led East Burwood by 2 goals at the main break before being over-run in the last half. Fantastic efforts by both these teams and hopefully both teams (The Under 17 Purples are bottom age and will go around again next year) can go one better next season.
Last Modified on 13/09/2012 11:08