VAFA: CYs thrash Therry to move into Grand Final

SENIORS

WILLIAMSTOWN    2.3    7.10    7.15    16.19-115
THERRY PENOLA     1.2    2.3      5.4         8.9-57

WILLIAMSTOWN
Goal Kickers: Z. Read 4, B. Gray 3, T. Wheeler 2, J. Reid 2, T. Hynes, M. Cini, M. Lishman, B. Lethborg, C. Richards
Best Players: B. Gray, Z. Read, S. McGuinness, N. Walsh, T. Hynes, M. Cini

THERRY PENOLA
Goal Kickers: M. McWhinney 2, M. Costello 2, C. Bannister, R. Bannister, R. Skiathitis, D. Rees
Best Players: M. Costello, G. Rees, M. McWhinney, R. Bannister, B. Kenny, M. Faroldi

Williamstown CYMS have made their way into the VAFA D2 Grand Final next weekend after a comprehensive 58-point victory over Therry Penola on Sunday. The win qualifies the CYs for promotion to D1 next year and gives them a chance for restitution against Peninsula Old Boys in next week’s play off for the Premiership pennant.

The CYs gained the upper hand early on Sunday when, despite kicking into the wind, they were able to outscore Therry to lead by 7 points at the first break. After a slow start to the second quarter, Williamstown was able to take a firm grip of the game by half time, kicking 5 goals to one to take a decisive 37 point lead into half-time.

Knowing that they had to take full advantage of their final use of the wind, Therry Penola threw everything they had into the game in the third quarter. Using the ball with long and more direct kicks they were able to keep an inaccurate Williamstown goal-less for the term whilst adding three majors themselves.

Although the wind had abated significantly after half time, Williamstown looked to be in a comfortable position at three quarter time. Leading by 23 points going into the last term and with the wind at their backs, the CYs were made to feel distinctly uncomfortable in the early part of the last quarter. Against the trend of the game, a spirited Therry combination dominated the first few minutes of the term and their second goal of the quarter drew them to 10 points behind and the game was suddenly there to be won. The CYs were able to respond to the challenge however and, after a couple of good snapped goals under pressure, were able to reassert their control to kick another seven goals to one to run to a comfortable 58 point victory at the siren.

In a game where every player made a contribution, the CYs were well served by defender Shaun McGuiness who used his sound anticipation and intelligent disposal to turn many of Therry’s forward thrusts into counter attacks for the CYs. He was well supported by wingmen Nick Walsh and Tim Hynes who both worked very hard at getting back to help out in defence and then ran hard to provide a link when the side was going forward. Half forward Zac Read lead a hard working and committed Williamstown forward combination and his four goals were a vital contribution to the win. Ben Gray was a constant thorn in the side of the opposition with his pace and marking ability causing Therry no end of problems trying to match up. Michael Cini [back in the side after a stint in the reserves] and Matthew Lishman made a formidable roving combination and their pace and accurate delivery set up many of Williamstown’s successful forward moves.

Next Sunday promises to be a very spirited day at the footy as long time rivals Williamstown and Peninsula face off in both the Reserves and Senior Grand Finals.

Leave a Comment

*