Temora ‘Roos first Premiership in 52 years!
Saturday 15th September, a date that the Temora Australian Football & Netball Club will remember forever. It marks the club’s first 1st Grade premiership in more than five decades, or half-a-century to make it sound even more special.
Coach of the Year, Mark Kruger, was ecstatic for the group which had been working towards the ultimate prize since he arrived in Temora from South Australia in November.
Mark moved away from a club which had won three premierships, two of which he coached, in as many years. Saturday marked Kruger’s third consecutive premiership as a coach.
The club aimed to change the culture and the overall attitude, and succeeded a year earlier than they were aiming for.
Temora veteran Scott Blackwell enjoyed his first premiership with the club since moving to the town from Tasmania ten years ago. Damien Ponting moved to the town, also a recruit from Tasmania, just one year after Blackwell.
Blackwell was named best on ground after the win, and kicked the opening goal of the 48 year drought, 1964 being the last time Temora were in a Grand Final. The goal was kicked in spectacular fashion in the first minute of the game and had the huge supporter base roaring.
When the final siren blasted a 14.7 (91) to 12.1 (73) victory at the opposition, The Rock-Yerong Creek, the Kangaroos supporters hopped to the centre of the field and enjoyed the moment together, a first for many.
The attendance was one to remember at Maher Oval, with a record-breaking gate of $31 523.
In Reserve Grade, The Rock-Yerong Creek took home the flag after virtually ending the hard-fought saint’s chances at half time with a 43 point lead, and ended 14.17.101 to 8.5.53.
The Under 17’s was all North Wagga, demolishing Mangoplah-CUE by 58, doubling their lead from half time.
