Saints make Senior Competition history
Sawtell Toormina Saints completed an historic Premiership double when the club took out both the Senior Men’s and Women’s competitions.
The Saints have now claimed 10 Senior Premierships, making it the most successful club in the League’s 37 year history. Victory in the inaugural season of the Women’s competition means that the Saints become the first club to have their name etched on the Linnett Perpetual Premiership Cup.
In the Seniors decider, Sawtell had to overcome the early loss of Alec Baldwin to a hip injury as well as a first half of poor discipline that saw Coffs Harbour Breakers go to the main break holding a well deserved 20 point lead.
The second half saw a complete role reversal as Sawtell got control of their emotions whilst Breakers seemed to lose focus and momentum.
A three goal to nil third term saw the Saints poke their noses in front by the last break and the big crowd was expecting a final term shootout.
Two early last quarter goals to Sawtell veteran Jim Angel together with one to Connor Perks saw the Saints into a very strong position. With each team only kicking one further goal for the match the Breakers were unable to mount a challenge and were forced to relinquish their title as Premiers.
Hamish Bird led the Saints second half revival brilliantly and was duly awarded the Woodlock Medal for Best on Ground. He received excellent support from the unheralded Josh Little and Luke Matthews in what is expected to be his last hurrah for the Saints.
Little led the scoring for Sawtell with three goals, with Angel, Matthews, coach Brandt Lee, and Curtis Smith each kicking two.
Breakers captain Chris Frangos got through a mountain of work in the first half with Luke Valdes looking dangerous each time he got his hands on the ball and kicking two goals. Darcy Hale and Royce Close each added two goals but it was the lack of scoreboard activity in the second half that cost the Breakers.
Sawtell Toormina Saints 12.11 (83) defeated Coffs Harbour Breakers 9.6 (60)
