Football
16 September, 2024
Tigers under-17 footballers complete the three-peat
In the under-17 football, Pimpinio defeated Laharum by 34 points to complete three consecutive premierships on Saturday.
Pimpinio kicked three goals to two in the first quarter to take a 12-point lead into quarter-time. The game could have been sealed with the Tigers kicking nine behinds that quarter.
Laharum fought hard with the wind in the second, but the Tigers repelled it just enough to lead by 16 points at half-time.
The Tigers pounced on the Demons in the third quarter, kicking six goals to two to extend their margin to 35 points at the final break.
Laharum came back from 37 points last week against Natimuk to make the grand final, but history didn't repeat, with Laharum winning 34 points, 12.18.90 to 7.14.56.
Brydon McPhee kicked four goals for the Tigers. Link Smith, Tadhg McGrath, Jack Hicks, Jamie DeZoete, Austin Simpson and Isaac Thomas were among the best for the Tigers. Simpson was awarded the best on the ground medal.
Nash McKenzie and Chase Whelan both kicked two goals for the Demons. Archer. Cameron, Brodie Foster, Josh Hutchison, Angus Mintern, and Justin Mutch were also among the best for the Demons.
Brett Thompson said it's unbelievable and gets better every year.
"It gets better every year because we have a different team every year, and this year, we had seven new kids. They were in their first grand final, so I am glad they could experience the feeling," Thompson said.
"I have to give full credit to Laharum. We watched them for the last few weeks and knew they would come to play, but they put enormous pressure on us.
"We were also under pressure being the hunted team, so I am proud of how the team gelled and held firm in that last quarter to win."