Narre Warren’s reserves premiership side poses with the cup after its win over Beaconsfield. Back row: Josh LaFranchi, Kahl Heinze (assistant coach), Mark Tapner (team manager), Daniel Huysmans, Damian Collins, Nathan Hiam, Daniel Uzarevic, Chris Potalej, Jamie Tapner, Luke Ross, Neil Harper, Michael McKenzie and Daniel Kirby. Middle row: Daniel Borninkhof, Mark Craig, Ryan Dewitt, Dean Scanlon, Nick Cowan, Ryan Warren and Michael Vandenbroek (runner). Front row: Brendan Tapner, Jake Gray, Chris Tosin, Alex Sakadjian and Cam Dalton. 53617 Picture: Luke Plummer
By Mark Gullick
NARRE Warren jumped Beaconsfield in the opening term of the reserves grand final, laying the foundation for a 16-point upset premiership win.
Eagles star forward Darren Sheen stamped himself on the game.
In the dying stages the Eagles trailed by 10 points, but had the use of a strong wind, and they constantly attacked.
It took another brilliant kick from Jake Gray to relieve the pressure. He then added another one to seal the win.
Beaconsfield kicked a late consolation goal.
Narre Warren coach Dean Holden noted Beaconsfield would be a tough proposition.
“Beaconsfield only had two losses and these were very early in the year, so they were the class team of the comp,” he said. “They were too strong for us in the second semi and during the year, but we just had to believe in the young blokes that they could keep the pressure on.”
Holden was rapt with his young brigade. “I wasn’t too confident going in, because of the form Beacy had been showing, but with the young blokes, you never know what you’re going to get.
They all brought their A-grade game to the table.”
Like senior coach Matt Shinners, Holden is standing down, but he leaves the team in good stead.
“Most of the boys will stay. And with a couple of retirements in the senior group, some of those guys should come up and start playing senior footy,” he said.
Classy Magpie midfielder Chris Tosin was awarded the MPNFL medal for his skilful and determined play. Other contributors were Daniel Borninkhof, who was busy in the midfield, Nick Cowan in defence, Chris Potalej was physical at the contest and Cameron Dalton played well.
League goalkicking winner Gray was superb with five goals, a significant return considering he spent time in the ruck.
Beaconsfield’s better players were Jake Rose in the midfield, ruckman Vin Sanzaro, Andrew Hunter in attack and the backline, veteran Ben Airdrie and Lachlan Cove around the ground.
Sheen finished with four goals in a performance that caused a few nerves in the Narre Warren defence.
