By Marcus Uhe
Narre Warren’s reserves made it two premierships from the first two grand finals on Saturday after the success of the Under 19s earlier in the morning.
Inspired by the heroics of the lower-age group, the reserves held-off a pesky but wayward Upwey Tecoma to secure the premiership flag, winning 7.7 49 to 4.11 35 at Officer.
Just one point separated the two sides at both the first and second breaks, with the ascendency swapping from black and white to yellow and black, as both sides struggled to convert opportunities – 0.2 to 0.4 in the second term an indicator of the nerves on display.
But the third quarter was where the Magpies kicked into gear, taking their opportunities where the Tigers stumbled.
3.2 to 1.4 saw the Magpies open up a nine-point lead heading into the final quarter, despite the Tigers having as many attempts on goal.
Two goals to one in the final quarter the Magpies’ way saw the lead grow to 14 by the final siren, ensuring celebrations continued for those in black and white.
Upwey Tecoma will no-doubt rue the 4.11 final scoreline, but as the old saying goes, bad kicking is bad football.
Jett Kearney kicked three for the Magpies as the only multiple goalkicker on the ground, with singles to Bailey Howarth, Nicholas Mashado, Nathan Power and Matthew Whitehead.
Matt Butera was named best-afield, capping his return to the club from Noble Park in the off-season.
Kearney, Grant Mitchell, Alexander Nunziante-Sweeney and Ethan French were among Narre Warren’s best, as were Nathan Beacom, Mitch Stokes and Lachlan McGill for the Tigers.
