Tony Lockett Shield comp set for exciting finish
The competition, consisting of the state’s best 121 public school teams, reaches its thrilling conclusion when Beelbangera (MIA), Finley PS (Riverina), Sawtell PS (North Coast) and Terrigal PS (Central Coast) face off for the title of 2012 Champions.
Terrigal are making their second successive trip to the finals after strong performances have seen them account for Woy Woy PS, Chertsey PS and Gosford PS in the Gala Day section of the competition before accounting for Oak Hill Drive (Sydney North) and Clemton Park PS (Illawarra) on the way to the finals. There experience will no doubt hold them in good stead when the pressure rises on Wednesday.
Two time champions Finley PS will chase their third title since 2004 after making their way through a challenging section of draw including a defeat of the defending champions Lavington PS (Riverina) in Round 4. The Hawks were dominant in the Gala Day section of draw accounting for Jerilderie PS/ Berrigan PS, Deniliquin South PS, Tocumwal PS, Barooga PS and produced a clinical performance in Monday’s Quarter Final to eliminate Rouse Hill PS (Sydney West) by 26 points. Finley’s team is enhanced by two of it’s female team members Dora Miaoudias and Ellie Ashley-Cooper, both of whom will also feature in the Paul Kelly Cup Finals this week.
Beelbangera PS and Sawtell PS make their way to the finals for the first time ever after treading significantly different paths. Sawtell PS (North Coast) have swept all before them in the North Coast section of the draw, dominating the Gala Day section of the draw against Toormina PS, Bellingen PS, Narranga PS and South Grafton PS before inflicting a 104 point defeat upon Bangalow in the North Coast Final. The team tuned up for the finals appearance with a 31 point win over Bateau Bay in the state quarter final.
By contrast, Beelbangera PS (MIA) has been tested at every turn on the way to the last four. After winning the MIA Gala Day by defeating Ardlethan CS/ Ariah Park CS, Narrandera PS, Hay PS and Griffith East PS, the Giants just held on against a plucky Bathurst PS (Western) by 6 points, and then dismissed 2011 finalists South Wagga PS by 10 points in the quarter finals at Wagga Wagga.
Action kicks off at Bruce Purser Reserve from 9am, with final scheduled for 1.45pm.
