By JARROD POTTER
SOUTH EAST JUNIORS UNDER-13 to UNDER 11
EXCELLING on the big stage, the youngest regional footballers ensured there was plenty to cheer about in an exciting day around the grounds.
UNDER-13
Old rivals made anew the cross-town showdown as Berwick surged to claim the Division 1 title over Narre Warren.
The Magpies trailed all day but never lowered their heads as they kept inching towards the mighty Blues.
Berwick shared the goal kicking responsibilities and held on against the faster-finishing Maggies to take the cup.
It didn’t get any better for Narre Warren in Division 2, with Narre absolutely blown away by the might of Beaconsfield.
The Eagles soared to kick 13 goals on the afternoon – ably led by Hugh Bereen (four goals) among nine goalkickers.
In a heavy defeat, the efforts of Ryan Koo Kwet Kim could not go unrecognised as the Magpies’ star picked up the medal.
In an all-Dandenong under-13 Division 3 grand final – Noble Park managed to knock off its cross-town rivals North Dandenong in a 6.4 (40) to 4.1 (25) thriller as the Bulls’ Ilias ‘Road Runner’ Panagiotou – nicknamed for his blistering speed throughout the forward half – received the best on ground medal.
“For a side that was supposed to finish last or second last, to finish on the ladder and take out a grand final was a good day – pretty happy with that,” Noble Park coach Mick Carlsson said.
“We dominated the first half and in the third quarter the boys became complacent – but North Dandenong only scored a couple of points, but had the majority of the ball.
“It was a bit of a game of wind so to win a grand final and only score one point in the second half was a great effort – good on the boys.”
UNDER-12
Coming home with a wet sail, Berwick turned a 12-point deficit into a thrilling eight-point grand final victory to break Berwick Springs’ hearts at Holm Park.
Dakoda Bolton made the match-winning additions with two goals while Rhys Fletcher – hard attacking Titan – won the medal to give some joy to the defeated.
Division 2 was one-sided from the get-go as Beaconsfield ensured Berwick Springs was eliminated from premiership reckoning quickly.
A 16-point margin at the main break was expanded rapidly with a five goal “premiership quarter” from the Eagles as Nathan Dowsett, Cadyn Lane and Little Legend alumnus Pat Gerdan (two goals each) pumped the side towards the pennant.
Lane won the medal for his efforts across the Beacy midfield and up forward.
Division 3 was a bloodbath as well as Endeavour Hills put Tooradin-Dalmore to the sword in a 10.6 (66) to 3.5 (23) rampage.
The Eagles shared the goals around with Jonathon Tiralosi and Cooper Robertson booting a pair each while Ben Sellings (two goals) did the same for the vanquished.
Austin Hernaut, a gallant Seagull, won the best on ground medal in a stellar performance for the runners-up.
UNDER 11
The junior-most South East Juniors put up a strong showing as the youngsters sold the candy and took on the competition seemingly at every contest.
Officer excelled on Holm Park Reserve to hop away in the final term with Matthew Pearson booting two match-defining goals to take a 14-point win over Narre South.
“What a great achievement it is for these boys to win the first ever division one premiership for the Officer Junior Football Club,” coach Michael Ryan said in front of a packed social club rooms on Sunday night.
“These boys have been terrific all year and they deserve their success.
“I just want to thank the committee, the coaches and all the volunteers that make this club such a great place to coach and play football.”
Tyler Finn, another Little Legend alumnus, was named best on ground in an impressive effort from the runner-up Lions.
Narre Warren made sure it wasn’t a happy home final for Beaconsfield in U11 Blue, knocking off the Eagles by 10 points after kicking three last term goals.
Beacy fought back to boot the last two of the match but it was too little too late as the Magpies got their first taste of premiership success.
Xavier Shinners lived up to his legendary footy name to earn the medal.
Narre North ensured there’d be little to celebrate at Tooradin-Dalmore as the Cubs belted the Seagulls 6.8 (44) to 2.4 (16) as Amber Clarke claimed her first piece of SEJ silverware to take the best afield medal.
Berwick comfortably knocked off Parkmore with Harrison Best receiving the medal while Lachlan Devenish and Jai Curmi booted two goals apiece.
Harrison Best was the embodiment of his moniker as he earned the best on ground medal.
