CARROLL CUP
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THE Riverina Anglican College has written itself into the Carroll Cup history books forever with a resounding win last night over Mater Dei.
Mater Dei was red-hot favourite to win its third straight cup in front of a big crowd at Robertson Oval but it was TRAC that got the chocolates, winning 6.6 (42) to 4.9 (33).
The sideline was packed with supporters from both camps and the atmosphere around the ground was that of a classic Carroll Cup final.
It was the first time in the school's 14-year history TRAC had even played in a final and the players celebrated hard when they heard the siren to confirm the victory.
Winning coach Dane Fuller could not wipe the smile off his face.
"The boys were fantastic," Fuller beamed.
"They did everything, they executed our game plan and their pressure was amazing.
"From the first contest to the last they just kept putting pressure on, which is what you need to do with a good team that likes running, just cut down their space."
"When we get that opportunity we've got to take it and they did that tonight."
TRAC looked good early and had the first shot at goal but young Sam Glyde sprayed his kick and Mater Dei went to the first break with a one-goal lead.
They went goal-for-goal in the second term and at half-time the scoreboard was locked at 3.2 (20) apiece.
They say the third quarter is the premiership quarter and it was TRAC who came out firing to kick three unanswered goals to be 16 points up at the last change.
Mater Dei's Connor Huthwaite goaled early in the last quarter to bring the margin to nine points but TRAC held on to win.
Fuller said his players had the belief in themselves prior to the game.
"We probably thought we were underdogs ... but in saying that, if there's two sides in the final you have got a good chance," he said.
"We were confident, we weren't cocky, but we knew if we did everything right the result would take care of itself.
"We got better each game.
"From the start to the finish we've improved and that's all we've emphasised."
Dougal Howard received the Mark Gooden Medal for best on ground, but won it narrowly ahead of Liam McGregor.
Howard provided plenty of spark up forward during the first half while McGregor cut off several Mater Dei attacks late in the game to rebound the ball out of his defensive 50m.
Smaller players Sam Glyde and Nick Perryman were also good while Kris Lashbrook provided a tall target up front.
Fuller says the school will lose a number of the team's taller players when they graduate at the end of this year but is confident in the talent coming through the younger group.
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