Seven Illawarra Juniors Premiers Crowned
Sunday 8, September saw a huge day of Grand Final action at North Dalton Park as seven Illawarra Juniors Premiers were crowned.
Despite a very windy and early start to the morning, conditions improved throughout the day which saw seven fantastic Grand Finals including extra time in the opening game of the day.
A huge thanks to the Wollongong Lions Football Club who hosted a brilliant day with everything going like clockwork assisting in the experience of the day!
Kiama Power, Figtree Kangaroos and Northern Districts Tigers claimed two premierships each with Shellharbour Swans also winning one.
Wild and windy conditions met the Under 11s players to start the day as Kiama took on Shellharbour and what a game it was. A behind as the siren went saw Kiama level the scores after Shellharbour led all game. Extra time saw the sides continue to battle it out with Kiama claiming a very close 5 point victory.
The Under 14s Girls saw somewhat of an upset as the favoured Shellharbour Swans were outplayed by a determined Figtree Kangaroos. Female football is such an exciting addition to our game and once again this match was played in great spirits and really showcased the exciting future for the region. Both teams should be really proud of the exhibition they put on!
The new Under 12s+ Grand Final was a close affair early as the underdogs Northern Districts really took it up to the fancied Kiama Power. Eventually the Power got on top to run away 28 point winners lead by Elias Oldfield and key defender Lucian Sennitt.
After Albion Park got the jump early in the Under 13s over Northern Districts, the Tigers recovered to hit their straps to record a 30 point win to claim the first of the clubs two flags on the day.
Wollongong Lions went in as slight favourites in the Under 15s decider but just weren’t the same team we had seen across the season as a strong performance from Shellharbour Swans led by Lachlan Cabor claimed a strong 20 point victory.
The Under 17s Girls Grand Final was a classic with a large vocal crown enjoying the tight affair. Kiama led for most of the day but a huge last quarter from the Tigers saw them edge their way closer until a goal with just minutes left in the match to Northern Districts saw them take the lead, and one they wouldn’t surrender.
The final match of the day and season saw Figtree Kangaroos pitted against the Wollongong Lions in the Under 17s and it was one way traffic for most of the game with the Kangaroos always in control. The Lions had their chances throughout but weren’t able to capitalise on their good field position, highlighted by their 11 behinds. The Kangaroos however took their opportunities and led by Darcy Hennessy the claimed a 23 point victory.
Full results:
Under 11s – Kiama Power (Thunder) 2.5-17 defeated Shellharbour Swans (White) 1.6-12 (EXTRA TIME)
Under 14s Girls – Figtree Kangaroos 4.3-27 defeated Shellharbour Swans 2.4-16
Under 12s+ – Kiama Power 7.6-48 defeated Northern Districts Tigers 3.2-20
Under 13s – Northern Districts Tigers 8.8-56 defeated Albion Park Crows 4.2-26
Under 15s – Shellharbour Swans 5.6-36 defeated Wollongong Lions 2.4-16
Under 17s Girls – Northern Districts Tigers 3.3-21 defeated Kiama Power 2.4-16
Under 17s – Figtree Kangaroos 6.4-40 defeated Wollongong Lions 1.11-17
Congratulations to all clubs, players, officials and spectators on a fantastic day (and season) of football which was played in great spirits!
Enjoy the off season and see you in 2020!
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