Two Griffith touch football teams have just fallen short at the Southern Suns Junior Regionals in Goulburn.
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The under 12 girls and under 18 boys both went down in their respective finals to strong Wagga sides.
The Eliza Baddock-coached under 18 boys side went into the grand final with every chance to win after blazing through the pool games.
Griffith took an early lead in the final against Wagga and held on for the majority of the game. Wagga was able to claw back though and hit the front late in the match and snatch the win.
Baddock said her troops got better the more they played.
“The boys played some outstanding touch throughout the day and were convincing winners in all of their pool games against Temora, Yass, Goulburn and Ulladulla,” Baddock said.
“They significantly improved their standard of touch as they progressed throughout the competition and were able to put a number of set plays into action on the field.
“Players such as Jermayne Cook, Tom Cottom, Rossi Trimboli and Jamie Blunden stepped up on the day and were supported by their hardworking and trusty middles in Isaiah Potts, Tumokai Poka, Dean Schmetzer and Jacob Busnello.”
The under 12 girls road to the final was a smooth one as well.
Finding the try line wasn’t a hassle for the side. All 10 players crossed for tries as the side finished with the best attacking record in its pool.
They knocked over hosts Goulburn 7-2 and registered a solid 9-1 win over one of the Wagga sides on the way to the final.
The under 12 girls weren’t able to reproduce their try-scoring prowess of the pool games and went down 4-1 to the top Wagga side.
Co-coaches Tony Paton and Steve Parr made special mention of Lara Rossetto who was awarded the game ball for her allround performance at the tournament.
Paul Lewis and Nadine Scarfone also refereed.
The tournament wasn’t completely a case of so close yet so far for Griffith.
Grifith’s Hannah Farronato bucked the trend and won her grand final whilst playing for the Wagga team.
She played with Wagga as Griffith didn’t enter an under 18 girls team.
Farronato will now attend the Junior State Cup with Wagga.
Tumokai Poka will also represent Wagga at the carnival in Port Macquarie on February 20-22 with Connor Lane and Nick Altin who will attend as referees and Sharong Foster who will aid in administration.
