Newington reigns supreme in Canberra

Sydney’s Newington College has defeated defending champion, Erindale College of Canberra in the Senior Schools Cup Grand Final.

The Greenway Oval playing surface was immaculate and bathed in sunshine throughout, leading to a high quality match that went down to the wire.

Across the contest there were some standing out performances, highlighted by Max Yeoland, who celebrated his 150th match with Willoughby this season in the AFL Sydney Juniors competition. Yeoland was unstoppable in the forward line, booting an incredible nine goals and earning him best on ground honours.

The match was far from one-way traffic though. The home side, Erindale, bounced out of the blocks with their clean ball movement and strong marking, kicking the first two goals of the game.

As the second quarter got underway the Newington boys began to find their rhythm and kicked back-to-back goals, and eventually clawing back the lead, kicking a goal with the final disposal of the half to head into the main break four points up.

Newington’s third quarter was the telling one, again kicking early goals to further push ahead. Fatigue set in as the quarter drew on and several Erindale players went off injured. The Canberrans would have to reel in a four-goal margin in the final term to retain the title.

An inspiring speech from the Erindale Coach, Mark Armstrong, certainly did the job as his side had cut the lead in half in the opening minutes of the final quarter, leaving Newington looking a little nervous. The remainder of the quarter saw the sides match each other goal for goal including several great soccer goals and snaps on the run.

Thanks to accurate kicking and strong defence, Newington disappointed the home crowd and sang their song all the way back up the Hume.

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Final score

Newington College 13.7.85 def Erindale College 9.6.60

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Best on ground

Max Yeoland, Newington College

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