Four Premiership Wins for Jamestown Magpies
It was a momentous occasion for our Magpies on Grand Final day, as we notched up four premierships – A Grade and Junior Colts football, and A Grade and I Grade netball.
Our E and D Grade netballers were also good enough to make it to the big dance, but couldn’t quite get the job done.
The A Grade football premiership capped off a remarkable 12-month turnaround, as we rose from wooden spooners to premiers.
It was nervy viewing for the first three quarters as Crystal Brook managed to stay in the game throughout. We had plenty of chances in the third quarter but it would take the final quarter for the boys to break the game open.
The boys piled on the pressure and ran over the top of their opponents, to secure a clinical 35-point victory and our first A Grade flag since 2014, over the very same opposition. Hamish Latchford was awarded Best On Ground for his heroics streaming through the midfield, but it could’ve gone to many others. Hamish equalled Henry Moore’s effort of three goals, as the pair led all goalkickers on the ground.
The Juniors Colts made it back-to-back premierships, bouncing back from a surprise upset in the qualifying final to respond in the best way possible. Just like the A’s, the Junior Colts engaged in a tight contest against Crystal Brook.
The Roosters had the better start but our boys and girls kept building and eventually edged ahead by 12 points in a thrilling final quarter.
Memphis Howe earned Best On Ground honours, booting three goals.
Our A Grade netballers returned to the top of the throne after defeating Orroroo by four goals in another nailbiter. The Roos had the slight edge in the first half but our girls rose to the occasion and steeled themselves in a strong third quarter performance. With only a two-goal lead heading into the final quarter, our Magpies demonstrated plenty of composure to take the sting out of the game and ensure victory. Meg Geddes was all class in defence and won the Best On Court medal.
The I Grade headed into the final as underdogs, looking for revenge on Broughton-Mundoora who had beaten them in three of their previous four matches. The Eagles had the early lead in the first quarter and after a surge in the second term, our Magpies trailed by as much as eight goals. Little did the Eagles know what our Maggies had in store in the second half. They piled on the pressure and converted expertly, outsourcing the Eagles 16-8 in the second half to snatch a two-goal win. Elkie Clark was awarded Best On Court.
Congratulations to our Bill Kerin Service Award recipients Andrea Voumard and James Lang, and to Danielle Clapp on receiving Life Membership.
JPFNC would like to acknowledge our valued sponsors for their continued financial support throughout the season. We would also like to thank our incredible parents, supporters and volunteers. Without your help and involvement, the cub would not function. Thank you for giving up your time to fill rosters or step in when there is a job to be done.
By Matt Mead
President of JPFNC