SPC wins 2021 BAS 1st XVIII Football Grand Final

BAS Grand Final v Ballarat Grammar, June 16

SPC 13. 8 (86) d BG  6. 7 (43)

Goal Kickers: Isaac Hucker 4, James Van Es, Paddy Simpson, Kai Lohmann, Max Faulkner, Nick Cushing, Josh Gibcus, James Clark, Fletcher McCarty, Spence Jenks 1

Best: Sam Butler, Jack Bambury, Austin Reinehr, Kai Lohmann, Alonzo Solomon.

In heavy conditions for football the SPC 1^st XVIII have defeated Ballarat Grammar to win the 2021 BAS Grand Final. A big thank you to Sharyn Canny (BAS Executive Officer), the Principal’s, Heads of Sport and football staff from both schools for all the work done in the preparation of the match. In a COVID world there is much to organise and tick off. The players from both sides certainly appreciated these efforts, which allowed them to play.

A strong pre-game emphasis on total team orientated football and bringing the necessary amount of effort and thirst for the contest was paramount with the expectant heavy conditions which greeted us at the smallish Ballarat Grammar Oval.

Sam Butler won the toss and kicked with a strong breeze to the southern end. The boys attack on the ball and the man was super, right from the first bounce and we were able to hit the scoreboard, slamming on 5 goals to 1. James Van Es was a big target up forward, kicking one himself and bringing our smalls into the game. Kai Lohmann, Isaac Hucker and Paddy Simpson were beneficiaries of this and all managed to kick early goals. Austin Reinehr led a tight defence by intercepting a number of Grammar attacks, his long kicking being feature.

The 2^nd quarter proved to be a match winning one as we kicked 5 goals to 2 into a stiff breeze. Josh Gibcus, Jack Bambury and Sam Butler started to really assert their influence on the contest by winning clearances and bringing their team mates into the game. Isaac Hucker continued to be creative deep inside 50 and always looked threatening. As conditions worsened, all players struggled at times to adapt to the heavy conditions, over handballing did cause a number of turnovers. This was the point of discussion, as we took a 38 point lead into the main break.

The challenge was put to the group to continue to play team orientated football, win the contested footy and kick the ball long. The game became a real slog as both teams threw their bodies into the contest. We managed to kick 2 goals to 1, to extend our lead. Alonzo Solomon attacked the ball at pace and showed a great example to his teammates about how to play wet weather football. Sam Butler continued to lead by example with repeated 2^nd efforts and long kicking a feature of his game.

The last quarter saw 2 goals kicked apiece. Fletcher McCarty and Spence Jenks enjoyed an opportunity to play forward by kicking a goal each. The versatility and willingness of all the players to play in any position and rotate has been a real feature of the group. To run out 43 point winners in extremely heavy conditions was testament to the ability and effort of the group. We now look forward to hearing what lays ahead of us in regard to the Herald Sun Shield, fingers crossed COVID restrictions ease in the metropolitan area and the boys are given an opportunity to compete.

A full photo gallery can be seen at this link.

Gavin Webb

1^st XVIII Coach