Division 1 Football & Netball Reviews

Division 1 A Grade

Seville pip a resilient Berwick in a seesawing Grand Final.

In a match full of momentum swings and impressive conversion, both Berwick and Seville showed why they were the two best teams. After finding themselves 6 goals down early in the third quarter, Berwick pushed Seville until the very end. The last few minutes were tense as both teams failed to convert until Ella Morse, who was brilliant all game shot the winner a matter of milliseconds before the buzzer.

Both teams had solid contributions throughout, although there were still a few standouts.  Luisa Sulemani (best on court) as GK, especially in the 1^st and 3^rd quarters, Ella Morse was monumental with her sharp shooting, clean passing and her match winner. Hayley Ray (GS) was impressive with her positioning and clean shooting, Cleo Minney was crucial in the centre, whilst Ella Bayliss was influential also.

For Berwick Danielle Hanley (GK) was on song, as was Emma Clarke(GS) who barely missed a shot, keeping Berwick in the contest. Emily Pupuke was busy in the first and last quarters in goal attack then goal shooter respectively. Hinemoa Collier was busy after coming on for Pupuke in the second quarter and the Bidwell’s; Lainey and Amy were busy late.

Quarter by quarter

Seville raced out of the blocks early, shooting the first three for Berwick worked their way into the contest, multiple times with back to back goals. The second half of the first quarter was a real arm wrestle, with neither team getting very far infront or behind. Emma Morse was looking dangerous for Seville early whilst Emily Pupuke’s (GA) (Berwick) shooting was on point, whilst Emma Clarke (GS) was clean for Berwick also. Luisa Sulemani (GK) and Lainey Bidwell (WA) for were also important for Seville. Scores tied 12-12 at QT.

Berwick threatened to break away from Seville on multiple occasions during the second quarter, however Seville always had an answer. Ella Morse and Hayley Ray kept doing their thing for Seville, who were well supplied by Ella Bayliss (WA) who played a fantastic quarter of netball. Danielle Hanley and Melissa Webster had excellent quarters as GK and GD respectively, not allowing Seville to get a run either. Emma Clarke had a big quarter, who combined well with Hinemoa Collier (Berwick)

Berwick lead 24-23 at HT.

The third quarter was vastly different as Seville quickly found themselves out to a 6 goal lead after shooting seven in a row. This was by far the biggest lead of the game so far and Seville were threatening to walk all over Berwick. Enter Emma Clarke, shooting three in quick succession, pegging the margin back to a more manageable three goals. Some excellent passing by Olivia Macente and Amy Bidwell helped Berwick to level the scores before Seville rallied late, scoring the last two for the quarter. Bayliss, Morse and Sulemani were once again dominant for Seville.             Seville lead 35-33 at 3QT

Seville once again looked to have the game won, after piling on the first three of the last quarter, making it 5 in a row and placing Berwick on the rocks. Berwick had other plans however, scoring four of the five and seven of the next ten, before Seville finally stemmed the flow, before Berwick went on another spree and found themselves just one point infront with only a matter of minutes to go. Berwick had turned the game on it’s head. Seville levelled the scores before a nervous few minutes ensued. Extra time was looking likely as the defences of both teams was holding up well, with both teams struggling to score. Enter Ella Morse, who was superb all game, with her passing and impressive shooting. Ella Morse broke the deadlock with a buzzer beater delivering Seville the A grade Premiership!

Seville win 44-43

 

Division 1 Seniors

Gembrook Cockatoo too strong for Seville

Despite the best efforts from Seville’s Michael Condello, James Cecere and Jake Strachan, Gembrook Cockatoo had the last laugh in a Grand Final which had plenty of action.

A massive crowd turned out to see Seville take on Gembrook Cockatoo in Woori Yallock in what was an eventful match, which had plenty of highlights and standout players. The Brookers led at every change but never truly put Seville away until the final quarter. The first half was quite an arm wrestle, with Gembrook Cockatoo only taking in a seven point advantage at the main break. The second half didn’t start in too dissimilar fashion, however Seville were a tad inaccurate in front of goal. Early in the final quarter, the Brookers lead by as much 36 points; a lead which proved a bridge too far for Seville, who bravely rallied late stringing three goals together to peg the margin back to three straight kicks at one point.

Ultimately the damage was done and for Gembrook Cockatoo the stars were Josh Tilly (BOG), who found plenty of the ball and used it efficiently, Michael Firrito kicking three goals and was crucial in the second half, Aaron Firrito was heavily involved, especially in the first half, setting up plenty of scoring launches. Brayden Weller across the wing and half back flank was excellent, intercepting and providing drive, Myles Wareham kicked three goals, as did Matt Templeton and looked lively, while Caleb Crestani threatened many a time and was unlucky with three behinds. Skipper Colin Bastow was busy and kicked a goal before he came off the field after a nasty clash, with what is suspected to be knee injury.

For Seville Michael Condello kicked four goals and was enormous in keeping Seville in the game, James Cecere kicked a goal and provided plenty of spark, Jake Strachan also kicked one and was massive around the contest. Gun ruckman Deng Nai was dominant in the ruck, providing Seville with first use on many occasions. Josh Weightman and Jye Sciortino were also massive for Seville. Jackson Lowe was busy up and down the wing.

Quarter by quarter

Myles Wareham opened the account for Gembrook Cockatoo, kicking the first of the game before receiving the chance to kick the second of the game, before spraying the shot. Michael Firrito was everywhere early with five disposals in the first half of the quarter. Much of the first quarter was a real scrap, not through lack skills, but intense pressure brought by both teams. Approaching time-on Josh Weightman kicked a handy check side goal, after capitalising on a Gembrook defensive error. Dylan Broadway was looking dangerous, but failed to capitalise on his opportunities, kicking two behinds. Seville’s inaccuracy infront of goal hurt them as Gembrook added another goal through Matt Templeton, after a clean passage from the Firritos; Michael with the clean pickup and handball to Aaron who found Templeton.

Seville didn’t do themselves any favours, giving away a free to the Brookers’ skipper Colin Bastow, who kicked truly from 30 metres out. Jye Sciortino was busy for Seville whilst Dylan Broadway was dangerous but ultimately missed a couple of shots.

Gembrook Cockatoo lead Seville 21 to 10 at QT

Crestani started off the second quarter well for the Brookers, gaining plenty of ground via a few clearances. Ryan Farrow was busy for Seville early as was Cecere as the blues were dominating the play but failing to inflict scoreboard damage. Josh Tilly continued running everywhere whilst Bryce Wareham was finding plenty of the ball. Crestani looked like kicking the first goal of the quarter seven and half minutes in, however he sprayed the kick, before missing again 90 seconds later, this time from a set shot. Seville needed to stop Crestani as he was threating to tear the game open. Brendan Dickinson was finding the ball for Seville with Welsh and Bastow intercepting well inside defensive 50 for Gembrook. It took all of 13 minutes for the first goal of the quarter to be scored and that was through a James Cecere snap, for Seville, which was much a needed goal. Not too long after Seville found themselves right in the thick of it. Seville kept coming as Sunny Saniga fortunately found Dylan Broadway off an ugly long kick.  Michael Firrito kicked his second goal and Weller hit the scoreboard too, steadying the ship for the Brookers, before Michael Condello kicked two goals to end the half.

Gembrook 6.6 42 to 5.5 35

Multiple times Gembrook looked like opening up a big lead in the first half, but Seville aren’t going anywhere. Michael Firrito kicks one of the simplest of goals less than thirty seconds into the second half to open proceedings. Minutes late Colin Bastow and Bayley Sciortino had a sickening clash, with Colin Bastow severely injuring his knee. Bayley Sciortino thankfully managed to limp off the field. Aaron Firrito who had been already been busy was streaming down the broadcast wing and threatened to inflict some scoreboard damage, however he bit off more than he could chew on this occasion, getting caught. However it mattered not for Aaron as he kicked a goal from 40 metres out, after being the recipient of a 25m penalty, putting the Brookers up by 27 points. Seville scraped through a few more behinds before Myles Wareham made life even harder for the Blues, after sneaking one home from the angle, 30 metres out, kicking his second. Shortly after Michael Condello receives the ball from Andrew Condello after Andrew was taken high. Michael kicks truly for his third keeping Seville’s pulse alive. Roughly 5 minutes later Michael Condello kicks his fourth for the afternoon after some great play by Josh Weightman. A scuffle broke out on the far wing resulting in the emergency umpire sprinting onto the field. Thankfully the scuffle didn’t last long and Seville were the beneficiaries of an apparent resultant free kick. Seville’s comeback looks well and truly on as Weightman shoots at goal, but only manages a behind. Lochlan Taylor was crucial for Gembrook late in the quarter taking a couple of relieving marks for the Brookers. Gembrook were keen on holding the margin before before three quarter time but they went one better and managed to score on of their own thanks to Templeton, steading the ship with a goal.

Gembrook 69 lead Seville 50

The first goal of the final quarter was going to be massive for the team that kicked it and looked like it would be Seville who came out firing, but were cruelled by an unfortunate bounce in the goal square. Dante South kicked the all important first goal of the final term, providing the Brookers with some breathing space. However the job was far from over yet. Just four and half minutes into the final quarter Myles Wareham is in the right place at the right time, thanks to a costly turnover and delivers his third of the day, extending their lead to five goals. One minute later the Brookers’ fanbase is going nuts as Michael Firrito kicks his fourth of the day; a massive dagger into Seville’s chances. 36 points adrift, Seville have their work cut out for them and find themselves on life-support. Deng Nai who was superb in the ruck all day (and all season) continued his form, helping Seville get one back, through Jye Sciortino. Fourteen minutes into the final quarter and Jake Strachan kicks a ripper across the body, showing that Seville weren’t going to roll over. Only 90 seconds later and Jack Nolan had joined in on the action and Seville found themselves within three straight kicks! Suddenly half a quarter seemed like an eternity for Gembrook fans as they had watched the margin get chopped in half in a matter of minutes. There was plenty of time left and based on the previous few minutes, Gembrook Cockatoo, yes Gembrook Cockatoo seemed to be in need of a goal. Cecere had a ping at goal for Seville, managing a behind. A handy point maybe? It was not to be as Matt Frazzetto kicked the sealer, taking advantage after a high tackle.

Final score: Gembrook Cockatoo 14.12 96 defeat Seville 10.12 72

Gembrook Cockatoo are Division One Premiers!

Goals:

Gembrook Cockatoo 4 M Firrito, 3 Myles Wareham, 3 Matt Templeton, 1 Bastow, 1 A Firrito, 1 Frazzetto 1 South

Seville 4 M Condello, 1 Broadway, 1 Cecere, 1 Nolan, 1 Strachan, 1 Weightman

Best:

Gembrook Cockatoo Tilly, M Firrito, A Firrito, Weller, Crestani

Seville M Condello, J Sciortino, Weightman, Strachan, Broadway

 

Reserves

Gembrook Cockatoo survive a late scare from a Gallant Berwick Springs

The Brookers were dominant in the first half and looked in control. Berwick Springs were getting much less opportunity to score but kept themselves from being blown out by kicking extremely accurately (9.2 for the match). Berwick Springs were able to stem the bleeding in the third quarter, priming them for a premiership assault in the final quarter. They had only kicked 5 goals for the game up until 3QT and found themselves just over four goals down. Kicking four of the five goals kicked in the last quarter, Berwick Springs gave Gembrook Cockatoo a scare and should be proud of their effort in the final quarter.

Mitchell Brown kicked three majors for the victors and Braydn Hoewel kicked three of his own for Berwick Springs, in what was an exciting finish to the season.

 

B Grade

Seville prove to be far too strong in a high scoring affair.

After being down at QT by two, Seville exploded in the second quarter with sixteen goals, to take a handy seven point lead into half time. The third quarter was similar with Seville scoring 15 whilst restricting Berwick to 10 of their own. A 12 point margin at three quarter time did seem large, but Seville weren’t finished as they piled on another 16 to win 58-39. Allana Lennie was fantastic for Seville and was acknowledged as best on court.

 

C Grade

Seville too strong for worthy opponents in Gembrook Cockatoo

Seville were cleaner with their passing early and looked the better of the two sides, despite a few flurries of goals from Gembrook. The scorers were tied at QT. Seville distanced themselves early in the second quarter by scoring the first three before Gembrook held their own for a few minutes, before Seville got on a roll. Gembrook came hard towards the end, shooting seven of the first ten in the last, but the damage was ultimately done as Seville ran away to win 36-28. Tarsha Collette continued her brilliant form and adjudged best on court.

 

D Grade

Berwick show why they are the best

The first quarter was relatively even with Berwick outscoring Seville by just the one goal. The second quarter was similar but Berwick were touch smarter with their decision making and looked to build a solid lead. Seville fought hard just towards the end of the opening half. Unfortunately for Seville though, Berwick dominated the rest of the match, winning reasonably comfortably.  Berwick won 24-15