PREMIUM
Sport

Demons raise the trophy

Jerilderie’s thirds overcame the odds in the Picola & District League grand final, defeating a previously undefeated Berrigan by 19 points at Memorial Park on Saturday.In perfect September finals weather, the Demons were first to get a goal on the board with some quick movement of the ball from the centre bounce.Travis Lawton stepped up with some great attack on the ball and Ben Coghill was a strong presence up forward.Berrigan fought back however, and went into the first break with a narrow lead.The Demons continued their pressure in the second, with Rory Knight having an outstanding game at full back, dominating over several opponents and earning best on ground for Jerilderie.Alex A’Vard and Mitch Cooper were also having solid games across the backline helping Jerilderie to an eight point lead heading into the main break.The third quarter was an even battle with neither team giving an inch.Brad Norton went into the ruck in only his sixth game of football and had an immediate effect that lifted the Dees.Brody Benjamin had an outstanding game, driving the ball forward at every opportunity, while Zander Nash and Brad Aylett each picked up plenty of possessions.Going into the last quarter with an eight point lead, Jerilderie lifted and started to gain ascendancy.Cruz Nash was a dangerous small forward, finishing with four goals for the game, while Justin Lawton ran all day and was hard at the ball, winning many contests.Berrigan were best served by Kaileb Wilson, James Curtin (two goals), Cable Fitzpatrick and Jack Richards.Final score, Jerilderie 8.5 (53) to Berrigan 4.10 (34).Jerilderie coach Carson Thomas said his side saved their best performance for last.‘‘It was very pleasing to see our boys get the win on the weekend,’’ Thomas said.‘‘In a year that has been filled with uncertainty with our players not knowing if they were even going to take the field at all, to win it was even more special.‘‘We really focused on making it a real team effort on Saturday.‘‘We have a lot of young players coming up into the thirds for their first year who did all the damage in the forward pack.‘‘Our more senior players held down the midfield and held strong in defence.‘‘Rory Knight was clearly out best player on Saturday, having to mark up against Darcy McManus who kicked eight goals last week.‘‘He was a key for us to shut down early and we were relieved to see him moved to the wing.‘‘We had most of the possession in the first half so we wanted to keep it that way and stay focused in the second.’’Thomas said the victory was made even better with the collaboration of players coming from various towns in the region.‘‘I’m just excited for the boys and for the parents,’’ he said.‘‘We had five players come across from Rennie when their season was cancelled, one from Tocumwal and one from Coleambally so it was amazing to see such community spirit.‘‘For a team with many new faces to win the ‘COVID Cup’, which I believe some are calling it, was a true reward for the boys.’’