YOU BEAUTY: TLU’s under 16s celebrate their tense grand final win over DPC at EW Moore Oval.
TULLIBIGEAL Lakes United under 16s coach Don Ridley prophesied that every unbeaten side had to lose that title eventually, with his young Sharks team pipping the previously undefeated DPC outfit by four points at EW Moore Oval yesterday.
In a thrilling contest that saw the lead changes hands several times in the second half, both teams had chances to ice the game the 2012 premiership and the Aub Farrell Trophy.
The Sharks had looked to given themselves the edge when half-back Wyatt Toole made a scything line break 30m out, before being ruled to have promoted the ball across the line.
And with their last role of the dice, DPC fullback Luke Hogan cruised across the line only to realise the whistle had gone for a forward pass, signalling the end of their stellar season
Ridley beamed about his side’s performance, saying they hung tough despite a rough start to the game.
“We had confidence in our ability, but all undefeated sides have to be beaten sometime,” he said.
“We just had two good things for footy in games like these, run hard and tackle hard, and I though the guys did that better today.
“The guys were pretty nervous early on, and we turned the ball over a fair bit which kept them (TLU) in the game, but the boys really deserve this.”
With greasy conditions under foot, the handling by both sides early was below-par while TLU gave away five penalties in as many minutes to have them under the pump.
DPC opened the score with a shot for goal which Blake Caroll slotted for the narrow edge, as the Roosters dominated territory early.
Despite having some classy touches from DPC five-eighth Bill Robb, the momentum began to turn the Sharks’ way with a sniping dummy-half run by Codan Frankell seeing him crash over for 6-2.
Inspired by their first try, the Lakes defence muscled up well, and after earning three sets on the Roosters’ line, Wyatt Toole sold an excellent dummy to stroll over and take the lead out to 10.
A kick out on the full from the restart game DPC a chance before the break, which they could only convert for a penalty to trail 12-4.
After the restart, a bizarre chip and chase from their own 20m line by TLU had the under the pump, with Robb crashing over to bring DPC to within two.
A try to Josh Cahill and in one in response to Brad Lyons saw the Sharks keep their two-point lead before a penalty for a strip allowed TLU to pot a penalty from in front for 18-14.
With time running out, a pass off the ground by TLU gave the Roosters once last chance with celebrations starting too early after Hogan glided into the in-goal area.
TLU front-rower Josh Cahill was excellent for the premiers in laying a platform for the rest of his side was awarded the Joe Fabris Medal for best on ground.
TLU Sharks 18
DPC Roosters 14