The Mininera District Football League reserves grand final went right down to the wire, with Moyston-Willaura prevailing with the last kick of the game against SMW Rovers.
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Players competed in a range of conditions, with hail, rain, wind and sunshine all present at various points throughout the game.
Just as they did two weeks ago in the major semi-final against the Bulldogs, the Pumas started the stronger of the two teams.
They kicked three goals to none to make things tough for the Bulldogs to fight their way back into the game, especially with heavy rain and hail beginning to fall.
Despite the difficult conditions, Rovers managed to move within one-point at half-time following a strong second quarter.
“We thought being wet it would suit us but to Rovers’ credit they came hard and made it a tough contest,” Pumas coach Sam Seres said.
Things remained tight in the third term, as the Pumas made the most of the wind advantage to kick one more goal than their opponent and hold a nine-point lead heading into the final quarter.
“The message into the last quarter was to keep scrapping and get the ball forward,” Seres said.
The last term was scrappy, with heavy legs and a drenched ground making scoring difficult.
Rovers managed to get within six points of the Pumas with only two minutes to play before a long bomb from outside 50 got picked up by the wind and bounced through for a goal to level the scores at 46 each with about one minute to play.
The Pumas managed to surge the ball forward quickly from the centre clearance, with Daniel Guinane taking a crucial mark.
He went back and slotted his fourth goal of the game to put Moyston-Willaura ahead 7.10 (52) to 7.4 (46), which ended up as the final score with the siren sounding as soon as the ball was bounced back in the middle.
“Everyone thinks about that last kick but forgets about the guys in the midfield that get it down there,” Seres said.
“I was an absolute nervous wreck when scores were level but I had faith in our midfield they could get the job done.
“A bit of grit and determination got us across the line in the end.”
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Ruckman Patrick Daley was named best on ground for the Pumas, capping off a strong season for the big man.
“Paddy had a great day and great season for us,” Seres said.
“He played a pivotal role in getting us across the line.”
The Pumas created history with the win, claiming their first reserves premiership since Moyston and Willaura merged.