Preliminary Final
Saturday was all about history. For one powerhouse club Newtown, it was to uphold the proud record of being in every grand final since it’s foundation in 2002. For foundation club Balmain, it was time to create history as it had never been in the grand final before. Only one club would be the winner, time to read on ....
First Quarter: Newtown was first out of the blocks scoring a wonderful goal on the run by Mel Daley. However this goal seemed to fire up Balmain more as they started to dominate the quarter possession wise and scored goals by Natalie Morgan (2 goals) and Kate Fitzsimons from marks in the forward 50m due to great work by the Dockers centres.
Balmain 3.2.20 Newtown 1.0.6
Second Quarter: Balmain continued to power away in this quarter. Highlights included Kath Kobzan (Dockers) cutting on the loose in the half-forward line for a goal as well as a massive bump between Kath Kobzan and Breakaways centre-half back Amanda Jennings whose impact could be heard a mile away. Kate Fitzsimons managed a team goal for the Dockers after piercing the defensive kickout and slotting home for a goal from 30m out. Goal-kicking full-forward sensation Belinda Pride chipped in for two goals after strong marks in the forward line. In reply the Breakaways scored a solitary goal 10m out on a difficult angle by Krystle Thompson.
Balmain 7.6.48 Newtown 2.0.12
Third Quarter: The coaches talk at half-time were: (Newtown) you’re going to have do a four letter word – TALK! And work HARD! If they wanted to get back in the game. (Balmain) – play front and centre and clear space for the forwards instead of clogging up the corridor.
Newtown to their credit and with their season on the line hit back hard and dominated the quarter possession-wise for 15 out of the 20 minutes. Here Rebecca McKee scored a difficult goal from a tight angle 10m out to start proceedings. Full-forward Rebecca Burridge grubbered a goal from 15m out. At this stage the momentum was with the Breakaways but a couple of inaccurate kicks leading to behinds gave Balmain a sniff. And with the Dockers and the Wolves, you can’t let your opposition a chance as they’ll reply back hard with interest.
So in the last five minutes Balmain had nullified any advantage that Newtown had worked hard for in the last 15 minutes and scored three goals with goals to Natalie Morgan (snap 25m out), Christina Matthews (1m out from a team play) and Belinda Pride from a running goal 12m out.
Balmain 10.7.67 Newtown 4.2.26
Fourth Quarter: With 20 minutes to go for Newtown in their season, they were determined to show what they were made of and scored goals by Rebecca Burridge (tight angle 10m out) and a last goal by Nicole Roache from a 50m penalty (contact not coincidental to the mark). Finally a massive bump by Chavvahun Calver was a classic although events were soured by the stretcher being required to remove league president Jemma Still off the field.
For the Dockers, it was another chance to extend their lead and they ran out the quarter strong with goals by Kate Fitzsimons (another tight angle goal), Kate Walsh and Belinda Pride.
Conclusion: When the siren went, history had been created.
For Newtown commiserations on missing out on the grand final for the first time – you have nothing to be ashamed about and you can hold your head up high. For so long the Breakaways have been the benchmark that other teams aspired to and now it has been a changing of the guard. No doubt you will come back bigger and stronger next year. Coach Chris should be thanked for all his hard work once again.
For the first time the Lady Balmain Dockers since it’s foundation in 2000 had made the grand final. I pay tribute to President Tracey Kick and Natalie Morgan for persisting and believing in the club would one day make it! To all the Dockers/Tigers players past and present, it’s only one more chapter to the Promised Land. For Coach Darren Morrow – congratulations on fulfilling the team’s potential and bringing a team together.
Final Score: Balmain 13.7.85 Newtown 6.6.42
Balmain goals: Belinda Pride 4, Kate Fitzsimons 3, Natalie Morgan 3, Kath Kobzhan 1, Kate Walsh 1, Christina Matthews 1
Newtown goals: Rebecca Burridge 2, Mel Daley 1, Krystle Thompson 1, Rebecca McKee 1, Nicole Roache 1.
Last Modified on 31/08/2008 08:43