SATURDAY at Bill Smyth Oval Narooma was the Narooma Lions last home game against the Pambula Panthers before the finals and was a day of mixed emotions and mixed results, knowing that the season for some had come to an end for others they live to fight another day. It’s been a tough year structurally for the Lions in their 32nd year, but overall on a positive note the future foundation looks strong with all the junior grades having made the finals.
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The U11s under the guidance of Dean Friskin in their first year playing competition football even though Saturday resulted in a loss, overall having played 10 games and winning five, they have a 50 50 chance to go further this Saturday in the Elimination Final when they take on the Broulee/Moruya Giants.
U13s although defeated on Saturday, with Peter Hodge at the helm, they had sufficient wins to be fourth on the ladder and secure a spot on Saturday versus the Broulee/Moruya Giants.
The biggest shining light has been the makeup of these developing players and men for several years, the U16s. Head coach Mick Clothier with the assistance Bruce Day, Geoff Wilson, Peter Hodge, Rowan Hawkey and Luke Talty with their passion for football and this club, have produced a 2014 Premiership and now may again have taken it a step further. Undefeated all year and with a 76 point win on Saturday, with a percentage on shy of 500 per cent they can only go forward and upwards from here. Even though a scrappy game on Saturday, the players have already reflected on their mistakes, to take on Pambula again on Saturday.
The Seniors they have struggled with a structure of a side all season and with a tough onslaught on Saturday and with the stepping up of U16 players only means they will be hungry for success in 2016. Thanks still needs to go to senior coach Rowan Hawkey and his core group of players.
To add to an emotional day and a heartfelt thank you to all, Narooma Lions mascot of 10 years Buster (Eichler/Collins) the Labrador season has come to an end, but he was farewelled in style by the U13, U16 and Seniors wearing black arm bands.
Final scores U11 Lions 1.1.= 7 v Pambula 4.3.=27
U13 Lions 1.1.=7 v Pambula 6.3=39
U16 Lions 14.13=97 v Pambula 3.3.=21
Seniors Lions 7.2=44 v Pambula 42.17 =269.
Games at Bill Smyth Oval on Saturday
8.30am Under 11 Lions v Bermi
9.30am Under 16 Lions v Pambula
11.00am Under 13 Lions v Bermi
12.30pm Development Bermi v Merimbula
2.10pm Seniors Bega v Tathra
All Other finals will now be played at Pambula.