World Footy News

Maybe it was an omen that the Belfast Redbacks’ bus was late and the ARFLI Grand Final was delayed by 20 minutes…maybe it did induce an unsettled air into the drilled routine of the Redbacks. But out on the field it wasn’t anything to do with bus trips. It was the Leeside Lions team which determined the outcome of the day as the piled on more pressure during each quarter to win the 2016 premiership by 52 points.

To the Lions, all that mattered was their fifth flag and they claimed that in fine style.

After a tough opening quarter, largely even, the Lions held a narrow three point lead. Everything pointed to a tight contest with the Redbacks having more scoring opportunities but the Lions more accurate. Quarter Time: Leeside Lions 3 1 19 v Belfast Redbacks 2 4 16.

The second quarter saw the Lions begin to flex their muscle over their opponents. A four goal to one quarter ensured that the Lions had grabbed the initiative and went into the main break with a very handy 20 point lead. Half Time: Leeside Lions 7 4 46 v Belfast Redbacks 3 8 26.

The “premiership quarter” was not a letdown. Belfast knew they had to up the ante and make a strong charge at the Lions. Whilst they did kick three goals for the quarter, they just couldn’t hold back the Lions which kicked five goals of their own the put the game almost out of reach. Three Quarter Time: Leeside Lions 12 5 77 v Belfast Redbacks 6 10 46.

The Redbacks had one last chance to reverse the trends of the day and make their own luck. A huge last quarter would do it. But the Lions could already smell blood and sense the occasion. The flag would be theirs with a big finish, and that’s how it panned out with Leeside kicking four goals to one in the final quarter to run out convincing winners and deserved premiers after an undefeated season.

Premierships are only possible as a team performance, and the entire Lions outfit gelled to ensure success. But a seven goal haul to best afield, Matty Moore, certainly ensured that the hardwork further down field was capitalised on.

Congratulations go to the Leeside Lions and commiserations to the Belfast Redbacks. Both teams will now rest a little before turning their attention to more international pursuits and then planning for 2017.