STJFL ROUND 16 (U14G Elimination final) – 11 – 13 August 2023
THIS past week saw the Under-16.5s and Under-18s play their last roster matches and also saw the Under-18 Girls secure a finals spot for the coming weekend. They will play Lauderdale in the semi-final this Sunday at Pembroke Park #1, Sorell, at 2.20pm.
The Under-14 Girls played Clarence in the first elimination final. Promoted to Division 1 after playing off in the last grand final, these two teams have had their work cut out playing some older and more experienced teams this year. With close contests every time these two teams have met, the elimination final was expected to be huge.
I’m sure there were some nervous players on Sunday morning, but when the game finally started a little after 1pm the nerves were certainly cast aside. What the coaches, parents and other NNJFC supporters observed at the game was a well-drilled and determined Eagles side that brought one of its best team performances to the game.
They started with a quick early goal through Ruby Rainbird and from there they didn’t look like being challenged for the remaining four quarters of football and ran away with a 28-point victory. It certainly would have been hard to select the six best players as all team members played their part to perfection.
Here is a brief rundown on the six who were named the best players: Out of the midfield, Bronte Jones and Kyeshia Burke managed many centre clearances and possessions as they were fed by the fantastic rucking skills of Ellah Braslin who didn’t loss a contest all day. Ellah also got plenty of the football herself, racking up possessions all over the ground. Up forward, Ruby Rainbird and Haley Miller also gained plenty of the football, were defensive when the ball was turned over and managed a goal each, whilst in the backline Brilee Chaplin played a super defensive game and teamed up with her back line teammates to return the ball to the midfield every time Clarence moved forward.
The Under-14 Girls will now play Claremont in the semi-final this Sunday at 11.45am at Pembroke Park #2, Sorell. Good luck!
Milestone game:
50 NNJFC club games: Lochlan Smith, Under-16.5.
Results in brief
Elimination final – Under-14 Girls 5.5 (35) defeated Clarence 1.1 (7). Goals: Bronte Jones 2, Jayda Krause, Elsie Chaplin, Ruby Rainbird. Best: Bronte Jones, Kyeshia Burke, Brilee Chaplin, Ellah Braslin, Haley Miller and Ruby Rainbird.
Under-18G 0.2 (2) lost to Lauderdale 6.7 (43). Best: Kyah Abel, Sophie McNeill, Brandi Sokolski, Bridie Krause, Ellie Henricks, Lily Gleeson.
Under-16.5 7.8 lost to Brighton 20.19. Goals: Nick Ransley 3, Takoda George 2, Kayden Cunningham, Loughlin Fraser. Best: Nick Ransley, Liam Lowe, Aydan Bailey, William Latham, Bradley Slater.
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