Gaza produced a sensational second-half performance to claim the Division 6 Grand Final premiership with a 33-point victory over Blackfriars OS at Campbelltown Memorial Oval. Trailing by 10 points at the main break after a fierce second-quarter surge from Blackfriars OS, Gaza took total control of the contest with a seven-goal third-term blitz. Adding four more majors in the final term, Gaza sealed an emphatic 106–73 win to hoist the flag.
Final Scores
Gaza | 3.5 (23) | 5.6 (36) | 12.7 (79) | 16.10 (106)
Blackfriars OS | 2.2 (14) | 7.4 (46) | 10.6 (66) | 11.7 (73)
MATCH SUMMARY
The opening quarter saw Gaza take an early lead, scoring 3 goals and 5 behinds to Blackfriars OS's 2 goals and 2 behinds. Gaza's strong start set the tone for the match, with Callum Atkinson contributing significantly to their score. By the end of the first quarter, Gaza led by 9 points, with a cumulative score of 23 to Blackfriars OS's 14.
In the second quarter, Blackfriars OS made a notable effort to close the gap, scoring 5 goals and 2 behinds while Gaza added 2 goals and 1 behind to their tally. This quarter showcased Blackfriars OS's resilience as they outscored Gaza, reducing the margin to just 10 points at halftime, with Gaza leading 36 to 46.
The third quarter was pivotal for Gaza, who responded strongly after halftime. They scored 7 goals and 1 behind, while Blackfriars OS managed 3 goals and 2 behinds. Gaza's dominance in this quarter was highlighted by their ability to convert opportunities, extending their lead to 13 goals and 1 behind by the end of the third quarter, with a cumulative score of 79 to Blackfriars OS's 66.
In the final quarter, Gaza maintained their momentum, scoring 4 goals and 3 behinds, while Blackfriars OS added 1 goal and 1 behind. Despite Blackfriars OS's efforts, they could not close the gap, and Gaza finished the match with a commanding lead, securing a final score of 106 to 73.
Gaza’s 33-point victory officially crowns them as the Ammos Division 6 Grand Final Premiers. Led by a best-on-ground performance from Corey Jones, elite midfield direction from Joel Thomas, and a crucial four-goal performance from Callum Atkinson, Gaza proved unstoppable when the premiership was on the line in the second half. Despite noble efforts from Blackfriars OS duo Andrew De Duonni and four-goal target Angus Ralph, Gaza's dynamic 11-goal second half ensured the cup returns to Gaza in style.
BEST PLAYERS
Gaza: Corey Jones, Joel Thomas, William James, Callum Atkinson, Blake Thomas
Blackfriars OS: Andrew De Duonni, Sebastian Taylor, Blake Sanders, Joseph Haskey, Matthew Brincat
GOAL SCORERS
Gaza: Callum Atkinson (4), Daniel Newton-Eatts (3), Oliver Petrohilos (3), Matthew Beadle (2), Blake Thomas (1), Luke Stevens (1), Kau Chadar (1), Sean Gibbs (1)
Blackfriars OS: Angus Ralph (4), Ben Sanders (3), James Ellis (2), Loui Loprete (1), Matthew Brincat (1)
PLAYED AT
Campbelltown Memorial Oval
By Ethan Parker