The Mighty Newcastle City Blues have overcome their arch rivals the Cardiff Hawks to register their fourth consecutive Premiership on Saturday at No.1 Sports Ground.
In a highly entertaining Grand Final show down, the Blues become the first Undefeated Premiership side in the history of the BDAFL running out 33 point winners in a match that was far closer than the score reflects. This remarkable achievement has not been seen at the Club since the Undefeated Premiership side of 1973 lead by club legend Steve Wilmott.
Kicking with a stiff breeze in the firs quarter the Blues got off to a promising start dominating possession in the opening minutes however could not muster enough score board pressure kicking only 3 behinds. The Cardiff side took the ball inside 50 on fewer occasions but were able to convert much more efficiently kicking 2 unanswered goal, and heading into the quarter time break with a slender 10 point lead: 0.6.6 to 2.4.16.
The first stanza after quarter time saw Cardiff seemingly control the game. The Hawks kicked the first 2 goals of the term as the pressure mounted on the undefeated City side. After pushing gutsy skipper Luke Rawnsley behind the play, the Blues were able to stem the flow and capitalise on some possession them selves kicking four of the last 5 goals of the quarter. Burke was the star of the show up forward kicking two for the quarter. In the dying minutes of the quarter prolific full forward Josh Wheeler was pushed up to half forward, kicking arguably the goal of the day from outside 50 on the end of 3 running bounces. As the Blues marched into the sheds they knew the tide was starting to turn. The half time score saw Cardiff’s lead trimmed to 5 points: 4.8.32 to 5.7.37.
After half time, as the City midfield began to take a grip of the match, the tussle continued. With some hard fought contested ball the Blues game plan started to pay dividends. In an individual patch of brilliance, City born and bread defender Hayden Kavanagh mercurially smothered a certain Cardiff goal, and followed it up with a physical bone jarring clash in the centre of the ground showing unmatched courage and lifting his team mates. However, the Blues could not convert that change in momentum into score board pressure kicking a wayward 4.6 to Cardiff’s 3.4 for the quarter.
The final quarter saw a goal for goal shoot out with the Blues replying to both early Cardiff goals immediately. Once the mighty city midfield lead by Cameron Keast, the likes of Rawnsley, Burke, Knight and Stewart flicked the switch and the match was emphatically blown out of the water. Forwards Barton, Payne and the courageous Josh Avis were able to capitalise surging the score beyond doubt. The Blues were crowned 2011 Premiers securing a 33 point win.
In a match where the hard ball winner’s shone above the rest, the best for the Blues were Keast, Burke, Knight, Rawnsley and Avis. The goals were evenly spread amongst Avis (3), Barton (3), Joy (2), Burke (2), J Wheeler, Knight, Payne and Hondow.
The Club would like to thank all who have contributed to the success of the 2011 season, particularly the hard working committee, the Blues Brothers, supporters, coaching staff and the entire playing group across all grades.
As they say; at the Blues, we are all Brothers!
- Courtney Knight
Last Modified on 27/08/2012 21:03