Junior
The Junior boys started the day with a tough first up match against St Peter’s Catholic College. Despite a slow start, which would prove to be a theme for the day, the boys were highly competitive with a well-drilled St Peter’s outfit. Led by some strong tackling from Noah Debenham in defence the boys had a narrow loss.
Our second game of the day saw us taking on St Paul’s Catholic College in a hotly contested match that came down to a last-minute shot at goal for the win. Unfortunately, the boys went down by three points in an impressive display.
Game three had us taking on Mater Maria Catholic College. A strong first half saw the boys with a slight lead going into the break. Increasing wind and a couple of lucky goals against the run of play saw Mater Maria run away with the win.
Our last game of the day saw the boys taking on St Paul’s Catholic College in the third-place playoff. A strong start and accurate kicking had us in front by three goals at half time. St Paul’s was kicking with a strong wind at their back in the second half and this was always going to make it difficult for the St Edward’s to maintain their lead. Strong defence and some wonderful intercept marking from our backline saw us hold on to a narrow victory, securing a third-place finish and ending the day with a positive win for the boys.
Intermediate
Comprising a blended team of experienced AFL players balanced with players ‘giving it a go’, the team headed to the Northern Beaches to fly the ‘Eddie’s Flag’.
Straight pool play meant every game was a must win and the boys proved that resilience and patience were just as important as skill. All games had the added impediment of a strong headwind that did not let up all day. It meant that the team running into it for the first half needed to keep their opponent close, especially with the quick ten minute halves.
Our first game was against current State Under 15 Finalists St Peter’s Catholic College who were very much up for the challenge. A first up game that saw the scoreline see-saw throughout, and despite not having as many scoring shots, St Edward’s prevailed 3.1.19-2.4.16.
Our next two matches proved to be a bit more open as the players unaccustomed to the game started to get a handle on the skills and techniques required for an open game of AFL. Team defence was an absolute standout, with our backline limiting opposition scoring shots, strong defensive tackles and starving them of possession. A highlight of the day was Archie Price using his body and shoulder to level a player – a clean hit, so good that players from both teams cheered and applauded.
Rounds 2 and 3 saw us prevail against MacKillop Catholic College 6.5.41-1.1.7 and St Paul’s Catholic College 6.4.40-1.0.6.
Our final game was very physical against a very exuberant Mater Maria Catholic College. This game saw many of the other schools stop and watch and the barracking could be heard across Pittwater. Once again the scoreline went back and forth and it wasn’t until late, that the scoreline got away.
A final gala day victory 5.6.36-3.2.20 saw our Intermediate team crowned Champions of BBSSSA.
Thank you to Mr Lord and Mr Le Page for also attending on the day.
