Late Monfries goal enough to secure another grand final win for Royals

A goal to Millie Monfries with less than ten minutes left sealed a 1-0 win and a fourth straight title for Royals, with LACU forced to settle for runner-up for the third straight season.

Monfries, player of the match in last year's dominant 6-2 victory, was in doubt to play with a calf injury which had sidelined her for the past three weeks, and limited her to two previous games this year.

But her danger up front eventually told with a well-taken late decider to ensure the title remains in Royals hands.

Royals captain Maree Beresford said the result was hard earned after LACU accounted for them twice in three previous games this year.

"Millie is coming off an injury, I think it was only the third game she's played this year because of it," Beresford said.

"She wasn't going to play, but decided to get out there. She stood up high for most of the game and when her chance came she worked her wonders in the circle."

Beresford said the shortened season had made life difficult for all teams, with many players deciding playing this season wasn't worth it.

But the positive was many young players and reserve graders got a taste of a higher level.

"Like all teams we lost a lot of our players this year because they thought it wasn't worth coming back this season, which is fine," Beresford said.

"We relied on a lot of younger ones to help us out, which is good because it saved our legs.

"It was tough at the start but we got the team together, played with what we had and had some fun.

"A few of the young ones played in our top team last year on and off, but his year they stepped up and I think they'll be regulars in the squad form now on.

"They've been outstanding and carried our team most of the time.

"All the games between us and LACU have been really close fought this year."

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