Leader News|
THE Narre Warren Magpies have reclaimed their title as champions of the MPNFL Casey Cardinia League.
Facing off against arch rival Cranbourne in Saturday's grand final at Berwick, the Magpies avenged their 2011 grand final loss to the Eagles and covered themselves in glory.
Played in front of thousands of people at Edwin Flack Reserve, the game lived up to all expectations and was a remarkable contest.
In a see-sawing, high scoring game, Narre Warren finished hard to win by 22 points, 22.13 (145) to 19.9 (123).
Narre Warren premiership coach Chris Toner said the match was one of the best he'd been involved in.
"It was an unbelievable game of footy. We were just fortunate enough to be leading when the final bell went," Toner said.
"We had a great preparation with the two weeks off and I think that was crucial in the final term when we were able to outrun them."
The first quarter was tight and intense. Narre Warren had most of the play, but wasted opportunities.
After Cranbourne captain Marc Holt goaled on the siren, the Magpies led by 2 points at quarter time.
With Holt in ominous form and the Cranbourne midfield getting on top, the game looked to be getting away from Narre Warren in the second term as Cranbourne kicked six straight goals to take a five-goal lead. But, the Magpies steadied, kicking three late goals to trail by just 10 points at half time.
Toner said he never panicked. "I knew that if we could peg them back and stay close, we would have the legs to over run them and that's exactly what happened," he said.
The third quarter is dubbed the premiership quarter for a great reason it's usually where the game is won or lost.
This match was no different as Narre Warren was able to bridge the gap, take a lead and regain momentum.
The last quarter was local football at its best. A shoot-out developed and the lead changed five times before Narre Warren pulled away late with goals to Aaron McIver, Nick Scanlon and spearhead Kerem Baskaya.
The week's rest looked to pay dividends for Narre Warren, which ran harder and longer into the last term.
On the biggest day of the season, the league's biggest names came to play.
Cranbourne's Justin Berry put on a masterclass in the middle with 25 disposals and five goals. Full forward Holt was at his best up forward with eight goals, the first of which brought up his 150th for the year.
For the Magpies, captain Michael Collins was brilliant, leading his side by example in the centre, McIver was deadly up forward with four goals and Baskaya almost matched Marc Holt's performance with six goals of his own.
Midfielder Jackson Parker, 21, was awarded the VCFL medal as best on ground.
"Parker was terrific, as were a lot of the guys. There was a lot of great players out there for us today," Toner said. "We have 13 players out there who are 21 or younger, so the sky is the limit for this team."
Cranbourne coach Doug Koop said his men gave it their all.
"It was an outstanding game of football," he said.
"Narre Warren winning five premierships in seven years proves that they are a great club.
"Unfortunately there had to be a loser, but I couldn't be prouder of our effort today."
Narre Warren featured in all three football grand finals and was fancied to win all three, but only one Magpies team took home the silverware.
After both the Under 18s and reserves went through the season undefeated, both sides lost their grand finals to Berwick.
Berwick won the reserves decider 10.15 (75) to 7.10 (52) and the Under 18 grand final 12.4 (76) to 10.3 (63).
In the netball, powerhouse Beaconsfield was crowned A-grade champion after beating ROC 53-44.
Alex Mondous reports that scores were tied 25-all at half time and it was 38-36 the Eagles' way at the last change.
Beaconsfield captain Jasmine Maddocks was awarded the umpire's medal at game's end.
The inaccuracy of Beaconsfield's goalers kept the game close, with Jacinta Goldsack scoring nine goals at 53 percent.
Goldsack, however, proved her worth when moved to mid-court.
Danielle Cameron was excellent for Beaconsfield, with two rebounds, five interceptions and three deflections.
ROC had two players who had the better of their opponents in Sara Villiers (31 goals at 89 percent) and Sarah Milton (one rebound, three interceptions and five deflections).
