ON Saturday the Narooma Lions AFL Club hosted four finals at Bill Smyth Oval Narooma of which Narooma played in three of the four games in the juniors. For the U11 and U13 it was the elimination round, a loss no second chances, a win they live to play another day. The U16s a win straight into the grand final and a loss a second chance to play.
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The day started bright and early for the Lion volunteers some smiling at Collingwood’s win the night before for others a shoulder needed to cry on. The first game was at 8.30am and cool temperatures meant the priority pressure was on to get the kettle on the boil.
Nothing fazed the U11 Narooma and Bermagui players though as they were just too excited to play in the finals. Keen to get started they had a great warm up and a pep talk by their coaches and supporters. Between the first and final siren it was a hard tussle for both sides in every quarter but the Bermagui Breakers had more opportunity up forward and came away 22 point winners.
Final score Lions 1.2 = 8 v Breakers 4.6 = 30.
The second game was the U16, and the Lions made the required amendments from the week before and played hard effective footy. It was very impressive to watch and as the game got longer they were forever sound and stronger. The Lions persistently forward in their half kept the Pambula Panthers at bay and scoreless till half time. A pride of Lions, congratulations boys!
Final score Lions 15.16 = 106 v Panthers 0.2 =2.
The Lions now automatically head off to the grand final on Saturday September 12 at Pambula. The Panthers need to beat the Diggers this Saturday for another grand final show down. Will the U16 Lions be back to back Premiership winners?
Next game up and the U13 Lions played the Bermagui Breakers. The Lions now having played a couple of years together have built up to be a formidable side and part of the future of the club, but the Breakers some too tall a challenge were just too good on the day.
Final score Lions 2.1=13 v Breakers 11.7.=73.
It was very heart-warming to watch the U16 players giving a guard of honour to the U13 players before the game and to see the proud parents still all smiles and support after the game. In the post-match debrief the players spoke about what they have gained in playing together and being part of the Narooma Lions family history.
In the final game the senior Tathra Sea Eagles dominated against the Bega Bombers.
Final Score Tathra 16.10=106 v Bombers 5.11=41. Tathra now take Merimbula Diggers this Saturday.
As this paper goes to print a number of Narooma Lions players have the potential to be the Best and Fairest players in their grade in the Sapphire Coast League. Best of luck tonight, Tom Hodge, Jai Reid, Zac Wilson and Tom Clarke. Lions Presentation Saturday September 19, 6pm at Narooma Golf Club.