By JARROD POTTER
SSV INTERMEDIATE BOY’S GRAND FINAL
HALLAM Senior College faced off against St Helena Secondary College in the SSV State Championship Grand Final in near perfect conditions at Victoria Park on Wednesday 28 August.
The Hallam Intermediate Boys Sports Academy team can now call themselves 2013 State Champions after a field of over 400 school teams was narrowed down to the best two. St Helena came through their State Semi-Final undefeated, knocking out Horsham, Grovedale and Catholic College Bendigo in the process. Hallam also undefeated in the semi-finals stage were able to account for Box Hill, Galen Catholic College and Bairnsdale.
Hallam got off to a good start and taking a comfortable lead at the first break. The backline held strong led by Caleb Millman and Jason Edtmaier. The midfield was driven early by James Paligorov and Tyson Hoy in the ruck and had Emmett Yawney playing an unfamiliar role on the wing.
Hallam were able to re-focus at the last change and display some of the characteristic football they have become known for this season – backing themselves and playing good link up football.
The last quarter saw some exceptional skills from players such as Liam Myatt, Kurt Mutimer and Fillor Zijai. Bailey Rice was also able to get onto the end of a few good passages of play.
Hallam’s second half was led by Brad Homfray, Jarryd Trait, Kyle O’Sullivan and Chevy Edwards who all committed themselves to the contests and put their bodies on the line. Kale Armstrong who has been sensational at full back all year was also able to get on top of his opponent in the second half.
The victory was well deserved as the boys have worked incredibly hard all year to first of all gel as a group and then play to their potential. Co-captain’s Tom Glen and Jarryd Trait have led from the front all year and have been exceptional young leaders.
SSV SCOREBOARD
Hallam Senior College 12.14 (86) d St Helena 7.7 (49).
Hallam Goals: L. Myatt 5, B. Rice 3, T. Armstrong, E. Yawney, F. Zijai, J. Paligorov. Hallam Best: L. Myatt, K. Mutimer, K. Hendy, C. Millman, B. Homfray, J. Trait, K. O’Sullivan, C. Edwards.
