By David Nagel
Narre Warren has earned the unique honour of being premiers and champions in Outer East Under-19s after the Magpies repelled a brave challenge from Upwey-Tecoma at Starling Road on Saturday.
The Magpies eventually prevailed 8.6.54 to 6.10.46 against a Tigers outfit that steadfastly refused to buckle.
Coach Mark Christiansen had led the Magpies to a perfect 17-0 record during the home-and-away season, five games clear of the Tigers in third place.
But a hard-fought 10-point victory in the second semi-final – on the same deck as the big dance – gave a far better indication of the narrowing gap between the two sides.
The Tigers then franked that form by dismissing Officer by 29 points in the preliminary final at Yarra Junction last week.
It was typically tough start to the contest with both sides focussed on defending with real purpose, and not allowing the opposition stars to shine.
Both teams had three scoring shots in the opening stanza, with the Magpies taking a five-point lead courtesy of a 2.1 to 1.2 scoreline.
The Tigers upped the ante in the second term, but frittered away the opportunity to make a real impact on the scoreboard.
The Tigers led by two points at the main break after kicking 1.4 to 0.3 for the term.
Both teams were brilliantly defensively with no quarter given or asked for, with frustrations boiling over right on the half-time siren.
Things became more expansive after the break, with Daniel Toner, Jacob Mutimer and Alex Dawson getting things moving for the Magpies, while Zac Orr, Regan Freeman and Rory Fox did likewise for the Tigers.
After a gripping battle, the Magpies took a two-point lead into the last quarter for the season.
While Daniel Toner was instrumental for the Magpies around the ground, it was Sam Toner that made the difference on the scoreboard by game’s end.
His four goals would prove critical, and along with Lucas Pascuzzi, Sam Wellwood and Riley Curran, would propel the Magpies to their 19th, and most important win for the season.
Daniel Toner was a well-deserving recipient of the best-on-ground medal, while Orr could not possibly do more for the Tigers.
Leigh McVicar and Ned Jenkinson kicked two each for the Tigers, who should be immensely proud of their efforts.
But it’s the Magpies who are premiers, with a three-goal-to-two final term putting the finishing touches on a combative game of under-age football.
