SOUTH Warrnambool overcame a spate of serious injuries to win the 2016 Hampden league under 16 football premiership.
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The fast-starting Roosters accounted for Cobden 12.15 (87) to 8.9 (57) at Bushfield Recreation Reserve, with senior debutants Isaac Thomas and Ethan Harvey sharing the best-on-ground medals.
“We had a few injuries throughout the year – we had three broken wrists, a broken thumb, broken ankle and had one bloke today who was crook last night,” coach Ben Thomas said.
Thomas said the Roosters’ depth and ball movement was the key to its flag.
South Warrnambool was dominant on its way to the under 14 premiership.
Talented utility Jamarra Ugle-Hagan received the Danny O’Leary Medal for his efforts in the 21.8 (134) to 2.2 (14) win over North Warrnambool Eagles.
Roosters co-captain Fraser Marris said everyone played their part.
“Our team work was good and we shared the ball around and we always use the first target, so it was good to get the win,” Marris said.
“I think Kane Wearmouth’s tackle in the third quarter, it set up a goal and it was a good moment for him to come off the bench and do something like that.”
South Warrnambool co-captain Flynn Atchison said the Roosters were thrilled to finish a strong season with the ultimate prize.
“It was a great season, with only one loss,” he said.
“We played all well on a team and didn’t rely on just one player.”
Both netball deciders were nail-biters.
Hawks edged out Cobden in a see-sawing 16 and under contest, winning 24-23.
Hawks coach Amelia Armitage said it was a nerve-racking finish.
“We were up by three at quarter-time, down by three at half-time and down by two at three-quarter-time,” she said.
“We just put the belief in the kids and said ‘fight it out’ and they come home with the goods.
“They put the pressure on, applied the defence on everything single ball and they knew that if they wanted it, they could get there, so that was awesome.”
Hawks goal shooter Jessica Thwaites was named best on court.
“She plays at (Mortlake Junior) Sharks as well, so she played in a 15 and under elimination final this morning and then came and got best on for us, so it’s a great effort from her,” Armitage said.
“But it was definitely a team effort – they all got on the court.”
South Warrnambool held off a fast-finishing Hawks to claim the 14 and under netball premiership in a thriller.
The Roosters reeled in an important rebound in the dying seconds, to seal to the 19-18 win.
They led by much as seven goals at half-time and were four clear the final break.
South Warrnambool coach Kristen Baillie said she was rapt with her side’s efforts.
“The Hawks just kept coming at us, so the girls had to regroup and keep their cool and play their game,” she said.
“They got a bit rattled but otherwise they did a good job to keep it as calm as possible.
“Everyone was determined and they were hungry for it.”
Hawks goal defence Katelyn Grant was named best on court.