James Murphy
UNDER 16 – MILLICENT 8.2 (50) d SOUTH GAMBIER 7.5 (47)
IT came down to the dying moments of the game, but Millicent’s Under 16 footballers kept the Demons at bay to earn themselves the ultimate prize in a thrilling conclusion to the season.
South Gambier entered the grand final undefeated for the year, but a narrow result in the final minor round gave the Saints hope.
They wasted no time asserting dominance and a three-goal-to-one opening term put them 13 points up at quarter time.
Things tightened up in the second term and a couple of Demon goals brought the margin back in to five points at the long break.
A strong output in the third term pushed the Saints further in front and as teams prepared for their last quarter of football for the year, Millicent was three goals clear of its rival.
However, things heated up as the Demons pushed hard and found several avenues to goal.
With a couple of goals already in the bank for the quarter, when Rex Jones lined up in front of goal and converted, suddenly South was in front.
The premiership cup was in sight as the clock wound down, but the Saints quickly responded and a goal at the opposite end saw them leapfrog the Demons and hold on for a thrilling victory.
Young star Kobe Gibson received the best-on-ground medal for his valiant efforts, which included a four-goal haul.
Harry Gibbs also faired well in front of the big sticks with three, while Jackson Bowden and Jack Haggett were other standouts.
For the Demons Harry Wright best served his side, with Jones close behind.
Every goal came off a different boot for the runners-up, in a diverse contribution.
Yet it was not quite enough on the day, with the Saints stepping up when it counted.
They finished the minor rounds in third with seven wins and eight losses, but proved you are never out of the fight with three consecutive final’s wins on their way to premiership glory.
