Breakers, Saints, & Pies all get teams into Senior Grand Finals

Coffs Harbour Breakers have booked their third straight Grand Final appearance and are on track for back to back premierships following their Semi Final victory over local rivals Sawtell Toormina Saints.

The Breakers led for the first three quarters and although the lead was always within four goals,  looked as though the match was within their keeping. However the Saints rallied in the final quarter to claim the momentum and a narrow lead with under ten minutes remaining in the match and it looked as though Sawtell would steal the honours.

Breakers were able to maintain their composure and steal themselves to get back into the contest. Inspired by a miracle goal from Shaydan Close, kicking from deep within the pocket just before he ran out of bounds, the Breakers sealed the match with the last goal of the game to win by 12 points.

A swirling breeze at the start of the match made scoring difficult, evident by the opening term scoreboard showing one goal six behinds for Breakers against seven behinds for Sawtell. After the first break the breeze settled, the players grew more comfortable in the conditions, and more shots sailed between the big sticks.

Breakers led by just five points at the half, and by 15 at the last break, before the drama and excitement of the final quarter unfolded.

Shaydan Close was outstanding for Breakers, kicking five goals in the tough conditions to be Breakers only multiple goal kicker. Jacob Sincock was strong around the ground, and Brett Vella showed great composure at both ends of the field.

For the Saints, coach Brandt Lee and small forward Lachie Draper-Bell each kicked two goals to contribute just over half of the team’s scoring. Luke Matthews won plenty of ball in the middle of the ground, Danniel Johnson supplied much of the forward thrust, and Matt Dwyer was as reliable as ever down back.

Coffs Harbour Breakers 9.16 (70) defeated Sawtell Toormina Saints 7.16 (58)

In the Women’s match between Sawtell Toormina Saints and Port Macquarie Magpies a four goal opening blitz to the Saints set them on the path to victory.

Port had no response to the early barrage and went to the quarter time break yet to hit the scoreboard. They obviously listened to coach Mel Hunt at the break and were far more competitive in the second stanza to go to the main break down by 32 points.

Both teams were hard at the contest in the early part of the third quarter, with neither giving an inch until Port’s Kelli Waterhouse sustained a serious leg injury and had to be taken from the field on a stretcher. This rattled the Port players and Sawtell took advantage to kick the only goal of the term and extend their lead to 35 points.

The last quarter was tight and saw scoring at a premium. Sawtell kicked the only goal of the term to seal a 41 point win and become the first team qualified for the inaugural Grand Final.

Keira Basset kicked three goals for Sawtell, with five other players kicking one apiece. Clare O’Dwyer landed Port’s only major of the match.

Sawtell Toormina Saints 8.3 (51) defeated Port Macquarie Magpies 1.4 (10)

Reserve Grade was a tight, even contest to half time, but Port Macquarie Magpies experience told in the second half to ease away from Coffs Breakers and record a comfortable 23 point victory.

The Magpies have bounced back well from not being able to field a Reserve Grade team last year and have capped a fine season of home and away footy where they lost only one match to secure their spot in the Grand Final.

Port’s lead was out to four goals by three quarter time. Breakers matched Port in the final term but couldn’t make any meaningful headway into the lead and now have to prepare for a Preliminary Final on Saturday.

Brice Hayward kicked four goals for Port and Samuel Johnson added two. Tyler Clayton with two was the Breakers only multiple goal kicker.

Port Macquarie Magpies 8.7 (55) defeated Coffs Harbour Breakers 5.2 (32)

The Under 17 match between Coffs Breakers and Port Macquarie got the day started in thrilling fashion, with Breakers claiming the narrowest of one point victories.

Scores between the two teams were close throughout the match, with numerous lead changes keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. Heading into the last term Breakers held a slender six point and were able to add one last quarter goal. This proved to be just enough with Port’s two goals one behind for the quarter bringing them up agonisingly close at the final siren.

Port were down on numbers and played the entire match without a bench, making their efforts all the more impressive. They were well served by Ed Smith who was everywhere and kicked two goals, as did Kye Wilson and Jukiah Crowhurst.

Ben Gibbeson was instrumental for Breakers, kicking five goals, while Leithem Close added two. Noah Dalton and Caydn O’Connell were both strong around the park, and Kalil Parsons-Lockwood was a major ball winner.

Breakers now have a week off while Port take on Grafton next week to see who will meet the Breakers in the Grand Final.

Coffs Harbour Breakers 10.5 (65) defeated Port Macquarie Magpies 10.4 (64)

For full results click here.