Here is a match report of our partner club's triumphant day.
Final Score:
Balmain 6.6.42 Goals: K. Kobzan 4, L. Rowan and B. Pride defeated Sydney University 0.3.3
Leadup:
Balmain had won every match in the regular home and away season but lost the Major Semi-Final. The women rebounded to win the Preliminary Final.
Sydney University had only lost to Balmain in the regular home and away season, but defeated them in the Major Semi-Final to reach the Grand Final.
Sydney University won the toss and decided to kick towards the tennis court end.
1st quarter:
The first quarter saw a 10 minute period where Sydney University dominated, locking the ball in their forward zone. But they were unable to score a point, heldout by the backsix and midfield of the Balmain Dockers. Dockers full-forward Kath Kobzan engaged in a one-on-one duel with Meredith Gray at full-back.
2nd quarter:
A firey speech had the Bombers committed to better efforts in the second quarter. Balmain instituted their forward press when the ball was in the forward line with 18 of their players forward of the center circle. Sydney University fans tried to get into the game with some chants but with each side scoring one point each for the half, it was still anyone's game.
3rd quarter:
They say the third quarter is the premiership quarter and this was true for Balmain, who extended its lead to 26 points going into the final term.
4th quarter:
A Balmain goal from 30m ensured that the Dockers would win their first ever title. When the siren sounded, the women in purple celebrated in delight. They had waited a long time for this day.
Post-match report:
Hayley Warren, the ruck for Balmain was nominated by the umpires as Best on Ground to receive the match ball and the Deb Rogers Memorial Trophy. The Sydney University Bombers were clapped heartily and Captain Belinda Michalk made a gracious speech and pledged to go one step further next year. The Dockers leadership group announced their winning team which received their winners medal before they launched into their club song. Captain Christine Macdonald accepted the trophy and lifted it to the warm applause of those present.
