Breakers claim a classic encounter in Under 15

Wow! What an incredible match to cap off the Junior Grand Final day.

Coffs Harbour Breakers and Port Macquarie Magpies turned on a classic encounter in the Under 15 match that went down to the absolute wire, with three lead changes in the last few minutes. Not only was this match a nail biter, it was also a highly skilled and free flowing affair that showed all of the best qualities of Junior footy on the North Coast.

A skillful but low scoring first half where the two sides were always within a goal of each other gave way to a more open and free scoring contest after the main break. Port kicked the last goal of the third term to open a 16 point lead at the break, and when they goaled again early in the final term it looked as if the trophy was heading south.

Breakers then kicked the next four goals to breathe new life into the contest, putting their noses in front for the first time since early in the first quarter. With less than five minutes to play it seemed as if the momentum had shifted completely to the Breakers but Port kicked a goal to regain the lead by just two points with under three minutes to go.

When it appeared that time would run out for the Coffs team they managed one more twist to kick the final goal and regain the lead with one minute forty left in the match. Port launched another raid but the Breakers defence stood resolute to claim the title.

Oscar McKenzie was a stand out all day, really made the difference in the last quarter, and was rightly awarded the Best on Ground for the Breakers. Cedar Barry was outstanding for Port to receive the same accolade for Port.

To watch a replay of the Under 15 Grand Final click here. Go to the AFL North Coast Facebook page to see a Footy Show interview with some of the stars of the match.

Coffs Harbour Breakers 7.8 (50) defeated Port Macquarie Magpies 6.10 (46)

The end of season awards showed how close the season was, with the League Best and Fairest split three ways between Oscar McKenzie (Coffs Harbour Breakers), Ned O’Neill (Grafton Tigers), and Beau Guthrie (Coffs Harbour Breakers). As a bottom age player in the Under 15 competition, Beau Guthrie also claimed the Rising Star award.