An extremely successful Saturday afternoon for the Blues with both the First Division and Under 18's sides making their way through to the Grand Final with wins over Woy Woy and Gosford in the Second Semi Finals played at No.1 Sportsground.
The day started off in less than ideal conditions with teaming rain falling over the ground as the underdog Blues were looking to complete an amazing turnaround from the sides Round 1 shellacking of 143 points from the Minor Premiers Gosford to win their way straight through to the Grand Final.
With an almost full strength line-up the Blues were quietly confident going into the game and were able to shoot out of the blocks with three unanswered goals in the first ten minutes on the back of some awesome ruck work from Justin Humphries.
The on-ball brigade of Atkinson, Knight and Mitchell were carving things up in the middle and the Blues were able to take in a handy 13-point lead at the quarter time break.
It was more of the same in the second term with the Blues kicking an inaccurate three goals seven to Gosford's one goal four to hold a 26-point advantage into half time.
Matt Bailey was providing some real headaches for the Gosford defenders along with Elliot Jay and Ryan James who was busting through packs like a man possessed.
The second half had the Tigers on the comeback trail but the resolute defence of Josh Wheeler, Tom Morey, Josh Childs, Richard Antney and super-flankers Gorto and Woz the Blues were again able to kick ahead in the third quarter.
The last quarter was a fierce battle with Josh Nesbitt kicking a couple of handy goals, Big Liam slotted through a great one from long range and when Mick Atkinson kicked one from the car park it was the Blues who would be heading straight into the big game in a couple of weeks.
Mitchell Knight was outstanding for the Blues, and his physical dominance was a real treat for the large Blues contingent on hand to applaud the boys off the field. Danny Mitchell played a courageous game as ever, Justin Humphries was unstoppable in the ruck and Wheels, Ryan James and Tim Kemp were solid performers in a very even team effort.
The lads now get a week off to await the winner of Gosford and Warners Bay in what should be a great finale to the Under 18's competition for 2006.
Congratulations to star player Kris Wozniak (pictured) in reaching his third straight Under 18's Grand Final.
Well done to the team and a reminder to get down to No.1 this Friday night to see the Junior Blues face off against Cardiff in their big Grand Final under lights.
At noon the attention of the large Blues crowd turned to Stubbsy men and the much anticipated First Division Final against the Woy Woy Swans.
Kicking against the strong breeze in the first term the Blues were caught out early with the Swans having the run of play and jumping out to a comfortable 28-point lead at quarter time. Coach Stubbsy didn't panic and was confident that his star-studded forward line of Fitzy, Gordo, Harro, Deedy and Azza could kick the Blues back into the game with the aid of the strong breeze on hand.
This proved to be true with the boys clawing their way back into the game and cutting the lead in to fourteen points by half time.
With a tough tagging assignment ahead of him Benny "Cecil" McCormack was doing a fantastic job for the side and with Joe Fleucther making everything that came his way the tide was starting to turn in the all important Second Semi Final.
The third term was a dire affair with both sides looking to out-muscle each other in the packs with the game set for a real crackerjack final term to see who would gain the all important first berth through to the Grand Final.
A more patient and disciplined Blues were able to eventually run over the Swans with a seven goal to one last quarter propelling the Blues past a gallant Woy Woy outfit. Delivery into the forward line was the key in the second half with the strong forward line able to kick the winning score.
Cecil was superb all day for the Blues and got the BOG nod from Joe, BK, Cameron Mitchell, Captain Deedy and the enigmatic Giggsy.
The Blues celebrated the day's achievements in style on Saturday afternoon with the $2 challenge proving a rather feminine affair it must be said with many a pineapple and strawberry Cruiser being enjoyed.
So its now over to the Black Diamond Cup team this weekend against Terrigal to make it three shots at the flag on the Big Day.
We hope to see a big Blues crowd head down to the Adelaide Street Oval to cheer the boys home.
GO THE BLUES!
Last Modified on 02/11/2006 14:45