RAGS TO RICHES REDBACKS WIN THE FLAG
Photos here!
The Chippenham Redbacks won only one Aussie Rules league match in 2008. In 2009 they lost only one game in an incredible transformation, due to innovative and hard work on the training field over the last 12 months with the squad from all around the county.
On Saturday, the dream was realised in a close and entertaining Grand Final played at Havant Rugby Club. In difficult wet conditions, the experienced Demons were the faster to start, scoring 2 sharp goals through Thornes and McCullum. Stu ‘Token Aussie’ McKay responded with a belting goal from wide up to fire up the side from Wiltshire. The Redbacks were now dominating the hit outs with great work from Ruckmen Lee Tarn and Ben Carter. This dominance led to a couple of fine goals from pumped up local lad Nick Hardick, one each from Rob Kerr and Tarn. The Demons replied with another goal from the elusive McCallum.
1st Quarter - Demons 3.2. 20, Redbacks 5.2. 32
The 2007 champion Demons responded strongly in the 2nd quarter. With a wealth of Australian experience, backed by quality English lads, they controlled their kicks around the ground to respond with 4 unanswered goals. The Redbacks defence of Captain Tom Case, Tom Sobush, Ben Denham, Lee Ellis and Chris Matthews were immense all afternoon and spoilt many an attack with organised spoiling of high and low balls. The Redbacks however needed a reply and it came in the form of a superb tight angled goal from Tarn and a belter from Tom Ingall after an excellent shepherd by Aaron Gale.
2nd Quarter - Demons 7.6. 48, Redbacks 7.5. 47
After the half time break and with the game very close, the midfield of Johnny Hope-Smith, Ingall and Kerr needed to step up a gear. They did this by contesting crumbing many loose balls with vigour, putting their bodies on the line for the team in a punishing quarter. This domination in the middle presented opportunities for McKay to kick another couple of cracking goals over wide marks. The Demons kept in touch with goals from Dykstra and McCallum (2), but the Redbacks had the momentum. Ruckman Carter bagged a couple after tough ball gets by Hope-Smith. Paul Conway swerved a Demon to slot another for the Redbacks, giving them a valuable 10 point lead.
3rd Quarter - Demons 10.9. 69, Redbacks 12.7. 79
The final period was a tense affair, every time the Redbacks scored the Demons responded. Tough rover Kerr bumped off an opponent to notch another. Namesake Lockie Kerr replied for the Demons. Further pressure on the defence was well smothered by Sobush and Case. Tarn kicked a long range one from a mark, but still the Demons wouldn’t lie down with two from Dan Thornes and one from McCallum. With the supporters nerves in pieces and the game in the balance, clever approach play from Conway and Rob Fielder gave the tireless Ingall the opportunity to nail the lid shut, which he took with aplomb. The final whistle went and the celebrations began. The Redbacks are holding their end of season awards on Friday the 14th August at main sponsors Café India.
Final Scores
Chippenham Redbacks 15.12 (102)
Bournemouth Demons 14.10 (94)
Redbacks Goal kickers - 3 Lee Tarn, Stu McKay; 2 Rob Kerr, Nick Hardick Tom Ingall, Ben Carter; 1 Paul Conway
Bournemouth Goal kickers - 5 Chris McCallum; 3 Matt Dykstra, Daniel Thornes; 2 Jonny Coller; 1 Lockie Kerr
Best players - Tom Case, Tom Ingall, Johnny Hope-Smith (Chippenham)
Best players - Chris McCallum, Josh Thompson, Daniel Thornes (Bournemouth)
Umpire: David Gayford