PREMIER DIVISION
Panthers Premiers, Hawks 5th Straight Grand Final Loss.
Terrigal Avoca has beaten the Cardiff Hawks 10.8.68 to 7.12.54 to win their first Black Diamond Cup Premiership since 2000. That year was the formation of the BDAFL after the merging of Central Coast and Newcastle AFL. Ironically, the Panthers defeated the Hawks on that occasion and it is interesting that in 2012 there was significant change with the introduction of Premier Division and the first twilight Grand Final.
Unfortunately, for the Hawks the loss was their fifth straight. Remarkably the Hawks have participated in every BDAFL Grand Final except 2007 for a 5-7 win-loss record.
Conditions for the game were excellent and in front of more than 1000 people the Panthers were more efficient than the Hawks in the first quarter as they maximised all three scoring opportunities. In stark contrast the Hawks managed 5 behinds from their chances.
5 straight goals from the Panthers in the second quarter compared with 3.3 from the Hawks gave Terrigal Avoca a 22 point half time lead. In the third quarter the defences of both sides tightened up making scoring difficult. The Hawks could not add to their half time score whilst the Panthers kicked 2.4 to open up a commanding 38 point lead. The Hawks fought back valiantly in the last quarter kicking 4.4 to 0.4 but were not able to reign in the Panthers. At the final siren the Panthers had hung on to win by 14 points. The final score was 10.8.68 to 7.12.54.
Jayson Van Dam was outstanding for the Panthers nudging out a superb performance by his brother, Peter to win the Garry McBain medal for best on ground. Brendan Harper was sensational at Centre Half Back and Jarrad Flint, Sam O'Brien and James Polglase were big contributors. Polglase and Peter Van Dam both booted three whilst Jai Turner (2), Damen Smith (1) and Chris Bishop (1) also got on the scoreboard.
Cam Jones (2), Nick Kocon (2), Beau Heeney (1), Jackson McMahon (1) and Mick Ryan (1) were the goal scorers for the Hawks. Adam Clarke was in great touch for the Hawks and was well supported by Nathan Smith and Ben Stewart. Simon O'Brien, Tristan McCormick and Tim Sheldon worked tirelessly for the Hawks.
Congratulations to Terrigal Avoca - Black Diamond Cup Premier Division champions in 2012.
FIRST DIVISION
Roosters Unbeaten Premiers in First Division
Singleton has worked hard to finish off their unbeaten season by defeating Nelson Bay in the First Division Grand Final. The Roosters have had an outstanding season comfortably beating all teams throughout the season. The only side to throw down a challenge has been the Marlins.
It looked very much like the Marlins might create an upset when they kicked the opening two goals. The Rooster regained their composure and kicked the last three goals of the first quarter to lead by 7 points at the break.
The Roosters continued their roll on into the second quarter by kicking 6 goals to 1 to lead by 42 points at half time. It seemed at this point the Roosters would run away with the match however the Marlins fought back with 4 good goals in the third term. Down by 27 points with a quarter to play there was still some hope for the Marlins.
Any hope of a comeback was snuffed out early in the quarter by the Roosters who added 3.5 to 1.5 in the final term to run out winners 14.13.97 to 8.10.58.
Rooster Tom Colleary was voted Best on Ground by the Umpires to win the Granland Medal. Jacob Walmsley and Gabe Smith were outstanding for Singleton with the latter also contributing two goals. Luke Davis, Alex Mitchell and Mark Irving were also fantastic for the Roosters. Josh Bridge provided the perfect target up forward and kicked 5 of the 14 goals scored by the Roosters. Sam Brasington chipped in with two goals and singles were scored by Paul Chandler, Mark Irving, Alex Mitchell, Sean Moffatt and Ben Paech.
The Marlins conceded the Roosters had been the benchmark team all season but put in a courageous effort to be competitive throughout the match. The Marlins had eight different goal kickers; Brian Deacon, Jeremy Eddy, Blake Erickson, Matthew Hardes, Tim Law, Brad Sainsbury, Brad Spencer and Damian Williams.
On a losing side Adam Grinyer was outstanding and he was well supported by Ben Grace, Blake Erickson, Brad Spencer, Joel Erickson and Jeremy Eddy.
Congratulations to the Singleton Roosters - Undefeated First Division Premiers in 2012.
SECOND DIVISION
Bulldogs Spoil the Saints Dream
Warners Bay has secured their second premiership of the day with a hard fought win over the Maitland Saints. The Saints were eyeing off a maiden premiership in their debut season and only fell 12 points short.
Warners Bay were well served by their experienced players with veteran Ben Street taking out the medal for Best on Ground. Street was well supported by Leo Vo and James Newburn. Others to contribute for the Premiers were Leigh Andersen, Chris Hogarth and Ben Hunter. Andersen also contributed 3 goals, Josh Nicol 4 and Ben Hunter 1.
Wade Beard and Corey Kennedy both kicked two goals apiece whilst Cameron Mitchell starred for the Saints. Stuart Inglis, Beard, Jim Taranto, Mark Curran and Nathan Watson led the way for the gallant Saints.
The Saints created plenty of interest in the 2012 competition and should be well please with their performance.
Congratulations to the Warners Bay Bulldogs the 2012 Second Division Premiers.
UNDER 18’s
Bulldogs Go Back to Back in Under 18's
Warners Bay has achieved back to back Premiership success in the Under 18's with an 8.13.61 to 2.17.29 victory over Terrigal Avoca at No.1 Sportsground.
The Bulldogs got away to a good start but only managed 1.3 in the first term. The Panthers fought back late in the quarter but inaccuracy meant they went to the first break with just 5 behinds. A six goal second quarter by the Bulldogs opened the game right up. The Panthers again struggled to get into their forward 50 and managed just one behind for the quarter.
Down by 43 points at half time the Panthers started the third quarter vigorously and worked hard to create scoring opportunities but unfortunately could not finish the job off. A further 6 behinds took their third quarter total to a remarkable 12 behinds. The Bulldogs added 1.2 to take their score to 8.9.57.
In a scrappy final quarter the Panthers added a further 4 behinds before finally kicking two goals to finish the match with 2.17.29. The Bulldogs could only add four behinds in the final quarter but finished with 8.13.61 to run out 32 point winners.
Matt Spinks was voted Best on Ground and was awarded the Bill Best Medal. Levi Vass, Mikey Vo, Lachlan Deverell, Kane Gordon and Jack Dawson were awesome for the Bulldogs. Ryan Cross, Jack Dawson and Jake McCann each kicked two goals while Jake Hayes and Alec Stocker also got on the scoreboard.
Max Enders and Ethan Formby kicked goals for the Panthers whilst Brandon Sarich dug deep for the losing team. The Panthers had several good players including Jarrad Warren, Sam Telfer, Warwick Blom, Mitchell Colmer and Amos Austin. The Panthers will rue the missed opportunities but can proud of their 2012 season.
Congratulations to 2012 Under 18 Premiers - The Warners Bay Bulldogs.
- Adam Lowe