In the Young Saints’ final game of the regular season played at Bathurst and Parkes the club came away with one win from three.
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The Saintees took a low-scoring and hard-fought win over their more fancied Orange opponents by one point, giving the girls plenty of confidence going into this week’s elimination final to be held at Bathurst.
Young’s defence played a major role in their victory, and coach Michaela Perceval praised the girls’ persistance and never say die attitude.
The midfield was solid and quick-footed, and the forwards kept forward pressure on the Tiger backs, enabling Caitlin Shaw and Kaylee Hart to score the Saintees’ major scores.
The CTR Trophies players player went to Sam Hambrook and Tiff Ballard.
“This was just the type of hit-out any team needs going into a finals series, especially a fledging side such as our girls’ side is,” club person Geoff Harmer said.
“The club is confident they can get a positive result on Saturday.”
Score – Orange 1-7-13, Young 2-2-14.
Goal kickers – one each to Caitlin Shaw and Kaylee Hart.
The Under 18s got off to a great start against the undefeated Giants, but halfway through the first quarter a total brain explosion saw the Saints have a player sent from the field for striking.
From that moment on the boys were never in it with a chance and went down by a massive 72 points.
“I was confident that we could have caused an upset and if not, really push them over four quarters and put ourselves in a good position for Saturday’s final,” Harmer said.
Outnumbered, the team tried hard for three terms but in the end ran out of legs. There were some good efforts on the day but Jack Barnse put in one of his best, thus gaining the CTR Trophies best on ground.
Score – Giants 14-9-93, Young 3-3-21.
Goalkickers – Bailey Pennell (2) and Brandon Sanderson (1).
First Grade then travelled to Parkes to take on the Panthers in what was a simple matter of pride for both teams as they weren’t featuring in the finals for 2016.
Parkes came away with a 35-point victory, but the Saints came off the field knowing they gave it their all.
The game was played from end to end and once again the Under 18 players stood up and backed-up for the seniors, even thought it was a long break between games.
They performed brilliantly for the side.
“It’s been a hard year but to have these young guys stepping up each week has been a godsend,” Harmer said.
“The players, coaching staff and the committee thank them wholeheartedly for the effort they’ve put in throughout 2016.”
The players player award went to captain Kai Frame who played a number of positions and led by example.
Score – Parkes 7-14-56, Young 3-3-21. Goal kickers – Anthony Mortimer (2) and Jack Barnse (1).
This weekend will see both the Under 18s and Saintees travel to George Park, Bathurst to compete in the the Central West AFL semi-finals. The Under 18s kick off at 10.30am, followed by the women’s division at 1.45pm.
