(back L-r) Mark Roser, Jayden Rohan,Nat Childs,Tim Hare, Richard Wilkes, Sean Moffitt, Nick Hogan, Mark Rohan, Tom Colleary, Jacob Walmsley. (Middle) Mark Irving, Josh Bridge, Josh Childs, Daine Cowburn, Alex Mitchell, Beau Maynard, Ben Paech, Vahid Roser. (Front) Scott Moore, Gabe Smith, Ben Graham, Luke Davis, Paul Chandler, Sam Brassingtonand Jarrod Ingram
SINGLETON AFL Roosters have well and truly stamped their mark on the Black Diamond AFL competition after securing a strong grand final victory against Nelson Bay.
After a week’s rest the Singleton Roosters were feeling refreshed and ready to take on the Marlins once again, knowing that this would be the last time this season.
With everything at stake, the team travelled to Newcastle together and were focused on the job at hand.
First quarter: The Marlins came out fired up and full of run posting the first two goals of the match. To the team’s credit Singleton regained composure and managed to kick the next three goals to take a slender lead into the break.
The backline was working overtime and a terrific tussle was occurring in the battle of the midfields.
Second quarter: The Roosters started to get on top with some inspirational around the ground play from Tom Colleary, Gabe Smith and Jacob Walmsley.
The backline was holding off all opposition movement and providing a springboard to launch our attacks.
Luke Davis,Beau Maynard and Dick Wilkes being the catalysts down back, Josh Bridge and Sean Moffatt presenting hard in the forwards. The team went into the half time break with a handy lead but knowing that there was still a long way to go.
Third quarter: As expected Nelson Bay came out with plenty of fire and the Roosters were outplayed for the majority of the term. The Marlins were all over Singleton at the centre bounces thus ensuring their forwards first opportunity to score.
The midfield was still working hard around the ground with Mark Roser and Alex Mitchell trying everything to get the ball going Singleton’s way.
Sam Brasington was starting to find his touch and Mark Irving was working tirelessly on his wing.
At the break the Marlins had reduced Singleton’s lead and a big effort was going to be required.
Fourth quarter: The Roosters managed to dig deep and outscore the Marlins three goals to one ensuring a hard fought but well earned victory.
When the siren finally sounded the team and all its supporters gathered in the middle of the oval and belted out a heart felt rendition of the club song.
The Club celebrated long and hard in the knowledge that premierships don’t come easy.
To go undefeated in a season is an incredible effort not just by the playing group but by all involved.
Singleton 3.3 9.8 11.8 14.13.97
Nelson Bay 2.2 3.2 7.5 8.10.58
Goals: J. Bridge 5, G. Smith 2, S. Brasington 2, B. Paech, M. Irving, P. Chandler, A. Mitchell, S. Moffatt 1 each
Granland Medal winner for Best on Ground: Tomas Colleary.
