Newcastle City have won both the Under 18's and First Division Premierships in 2007 with both sides going back-to-back. The red hot favourites, the Black Diamond Cup side went down to a spirited Killarney Vale Bombers in a poor finish to the season for the Minor Premiers.
In the Under 18's match the Blues were never headed in a triumphant victory over the Lake Macquarie Crows eventually running out 95-point winners to go back-to-back in 07. Best on ground award winner was the talented Josh Nesbitt with ruckman Cameron Keast also playing a staring role. Amazingly Kris Wozniak picked up his 4th consecutive Under 18's Premiership medallion with another impressive performance at full-back.
Congratulation to Steve and Woody for their coaching duties during the season.
Under 18's - Grand Final
SCORES |
|
TEAMS |
TIME/VENUE |
5.5-35 |
|
Lake Macquarie |
9:25 AM Sat 8/Sep
No 1 Sportsground |
|
|
def. by |
19.16-130 |
|
Newcastle City |
Lake Macquarie
Goal Kickers: L. Relic, K. Bruggestrash, J. Adnum, D. O''Donnell, S. Adams Best Players: J. Sneddon, D. O''Donnell, M. Pantalone, L. Relic, J. Relic, S. Adams Newcastle City
Goal Kickers: B. Haines 3, M. Rawson 3, J. Rigby 2, M. Bailey 2, M. Butterfield 2, K. Wozniak, J. Humphries, W. Gleeson, J. Nesbitt, M. Lockwood, S. Mundy, T. Jolly Best Players: J. Nesbitt, C. Keast, K. Wozniak, L. Gorton, T. Jolly, J. Simms
|
In the much anticipated First Division showdown between the Newcastle City Blues and the Lake Macquarie Crows it was the Blues who had the better of the first term to open up a handy lead at quarter time. The Blues were able to hold out the Crows into the dying stages of the match to find themselves winners again in 07. Best on ground Scott Harrington had another great game along with Cameron Mitchell in defence and Daryl Anesbury and Mick Deed each kicked four majors.
First Division - Grand Final
SCORES |
|
TEAMS |
TIME/VENUE |
15.16-106 |
|
Newcastle City |
12:00 PM Sat 8/Sep
No 1 Sportsground |
|
|
def. |
13.12-90 |
|
Lake Macquarie |
Newcastle City
Goal Kickers: M. Deed 4, D. Anesbury 4, H. Kavanagh 2, D. Munro, O. Dawes, C. Sturman, M. McGuire, J. Collins Best Players: S. Harrington, C. Mitchell, D. Anesbury, A. Matthews, J. Judge, M. Deed Lake Macquarie
Goal Kickers: M. Hodge 7, T. Croft 2, S. Johnson 2, J. Cutts 2 Best Players: D. Wilson, M. Croger, S. Johnson, M. Hodge, D. Maher, S. Adams
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The Black Diamond Cup match was expected to be an open and free-flowing spectacle for the big crowd in attendance but it was not to be as the weather opened up in the first half to turn the match into a hard fought slog. The Bombers got the jump on the Blues early posting four goals with the aid of the breeze and although it wasn't panic stations at this early stage the Blues were going to have to lift in the second quarter to get back into the game.
Things didn't go to script for the Blues with the rain setting in during the second term and the Blues unable to make a dent in the Bombers early lead, kicking 1 goal 7 behinds up to half time whilst restricting the Bombers to one solitary point.
The second half was more of the same for the Blues with poor conversion in front of goal, some poor accountability and a lack of in and under play costing the side dearly.
Black Diamond Cup - Grand Final
SCORES |
|
TEAMS |
TIME/VENUE |
4.17-41 |
|
Newcastle City |
2:40 PM Sat 8/Sep
No 1 Sportsground |
|
|
def. by |
9.9-63 |
|
Killarney Vale |
Newcastle City
Goal Kickers: M. Kemp 2, D. Woerner, C. Knight Best Players: S. Burke, M. Enright, T. Cotter, L. Rawnsley, N. Woodhams, J. Cleaver, M. Kemp Killarney Vale
Goal Kickers: G. Page 2, J. Ireland 2, J. Fountain, D. Amidy, P. Harrison, R. White, S. Cutler Best Players: P. Schell, D. Amidy, N. Chaplin, R. White, C. Shackleton, M. Smith
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To Killarney Vale's credit they played the better match on the day and despite the Blues disappointment after the game it was too little too late with the required desperation, eagerness and old fashioned Blues spirit sorely lacking when it was required most in the biggest match of the year.So it was groundhog day for the Blues in Season 2007 with an Under 18's Premiership, a First Division Premiership and a Runner's up effort in the Black Diamond Cup competition.
All the best to those who will not be with the Blues in 2008 and we would like to thank the coaches, committee, volunteers and supporters for all their efforts in 2007.
GO THE BLUES!
Last Modified on 09/03/2008 21:01