Metro Property Match Review - Sherwood U/17 Div 1 claim Undefeated Premiership
Andrew Thomson
The Division 1 U/17 Sherwood Magpies side have claimed an Undefeated Premiership in 2015 after a come from behind victory in a thrilling decider on Sunday against Morningside at Coorparoo.
In what turned out to be a senstational match the Pies trailed throughout, and commenced the final quarter 8 points in arrears before overpowering the Panthers and record a superb 24pt win.
The Magpies knew they were in for tough game after a closely fought finals series, and for three quarters Morningside showed that were right up for the fight and the Pies were looking at entering the " unbeaten , but got rolled in the GF " club, where there are certainly no happy reunions!
Kicking against a solid breeze, the lads didn't start as well as hoped, second to the ball, and uncharacteristicly a bit hesitant. That allowed Morningside to have the better of the contest and while the young Pies stood up enough to limit the damage to a few goals, they needed to start matching the Panthers intensity.
The second quarter was more of the same. Although the Pies now had use of the breeze and started to wrest control in the midfield, they were not using ball well and got caught on the transition too often. Every time the Pies built some momentum, the Panthers answered with a quick score and half time was welcomed with the opportunity to re set and find a way to get on top.
After half time the effort lifted, the half back line could start to attack and set up play, and the forwards were starting to look dangerous. This came from the tough inside work from midfielders Lachie, Rory & Tristan along with the outside run of Max, Phil, Billy & Sam. Big Jake and Steggs were getting on top in the key position battles and the Magpie structure looked much better.
Despite all this, the Pies couldn't put the all important scoreboard pressure on despite the feeling that the match was starting to be played on Magpie terms.
At 3/4 time time and still 8 points down, it was time to either pay the price for victory or fold meekly and accept defeat. These boys have refused to lose all season, and again showed that they would not lie down. The four senior leaders, Lachie Dennis, Jake Farrell, Chae Lawson & Zac Stegmeyer took the game by the scruff of the neck and drove the team forward.
The early hit from Steggs set the standard and the young Magpies stormed home to record a 24pt win, and bring 2015 premiership cup to Sherwood. The pies kept Morningside scoreless in the final quarter while booting 5 goals to run away with the match.
It was just what a Grand Final should be - tough, tight with flashes of brilliance. Some youngsters really stood up & a surging victory on the back of the leader was the cherry on top of a magic day.
Jake Farrell was awarded the Best on ground Medal for a strong game up forward and through the midfield. He had great support from Zac Stegmeyer, Lachie Dennis, Max Webber, Rory & Billy Johnson, Chae Lawson as a smart small forward and a superb effort from a team that just refused to lose.
16 straight wins and the cup at home in Chelmer is the reward for a group of young men the club should be very proud of. These boys have achieved everything possible this year and the coaching group and support staff, thank these boys for buying into the 'team first' mantra and giving everyone so much enjoyment this season.
Simply, WELL DONE MAGGIES !!!