City demolished Cardiff in the 2010 Grand Final with a dominant display on a wet track at No.1 Sportsground Saturday with final scores 17-21 123 to 10-11 71. The win was City’s 3rd successive Premiership – the first time the club has achieved that feat in 45 years (1965).
City came out with a steely resolve, taking advantage of the breeze in the first quarter. Coach Phil McGuinness injected himself into the game off the bench early to set alight what was an avalanche of possessions and fierce tackling. Cardiff were unable to match the aggression and determination of the City machine all over the field and led by Mark Wheeler, John-Michael Bric, Ben Cornwall and Elliott-Davey medallist Mitchell Knight as City powered their way to a quarter time lead 6-6 42 to 1-2 8. First quarter goals to Owen Dawes, Jimmy Drury, Mitch Knight, Phil McGuinness, Jadan Morton and Luke Rawnsley had the City supporters full of excitement.
Cardiff tried to respond in the second quarter but failed to take advantage of the breeze as they were outclassed right across the ground by a well-coached City outfit. When they did venture forward, kicks were sprayed under the relentless defence led by City's fullback Ryley Lang, back pockets Nick Woodhams and James Boettiger, centre half back Tom Hunt and half back flanker Shannon Burke. City went to the long break up 9-9 63 to 3-7 25 after second quarter goals to Phil McGuinness, Jadan Morton and Mark Wheeler.
The City boys worked hard to maintain their advantage in the third quarter as Cardiff again mounted a strong attack. The breeze dropped and constant drizzling rain made conditions slippery. Towards the end of the quarter, the City boys raised the heat on a struggling Cardiff who were hurting from constant physical pressure from The Blues. City had winners all over the field (and on the interchange!) as, with three quarter time looming they went on yet another rampage to snuff out any hope of a Cardiff victory. Two goals to forward pocket Jason Cleaver, and singles to ruck rover Matthew Bailey and centre half forward Mark Wheeler saw City go to the last break with a commanding lead 13-16 94 to 6-10 46.
The great City crowd surrounded Phil and his men for a stirring three quarter time address. The Blues again matched and surpassed anything Cardiff could create, constantly forcing them wide with turnovers. The City resolve even in their domination was typified by a magnificent kick, chase and crushing tackle by Shannon Burke early in the final quarter. Goal sneak Jayson Cleaver nailed the coffin shut with 2 clever goals with Mark Wheeler kicking another along with Luke Rawnsley. The final siren saw a swarm of City supporters congratulate The Blues. Captain Luke Rawnsley deservedly won the McBain Medal for best on ground (maintaining the “wranger” domination!) and was joined by coach Phil McGuiness to lift the Premiership Cup.
Congratulations to Jimmy Drury for reaching his '50 games' milestone, one I'm sure he will remember.
One of the exciting things for the City club about this victory and season is the number of City juniors and ex-juniors contributing so well to the cause - guys like Jackson Monk, Matt Bailey, Mitchell Knight, Josh Wheeler, Matt Enright, Mark Wheeler and Nick Woodhams. Along with the players who have more recently joined them – we have an exciting future to look forward to. Well done coach McGuinness and our team of champions!
Last Modified on 11/08/2012 12:35