Grand final day didn't disappoint for Eastlakes-Mangoplah-Cookardinia United as the Goannas claimed five Wagga and District Juniors premierships at Robertson Oval on Sunday.
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EMCU started the day with a hat-trick of netball successes as the club's under 10s, 11s and 12s marched to strong victories against Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong, Turvey Park and Wagga Swans respectively.
Abbey Hunt, Joella Creasy and Inez McPherson all helped steer their teams to flags with best on court performances.
Their day started in similar fashion on the football field where Charlie Harper was best on ground in the under 12 Goannas' convincing 40-point win against Wagga Swans.
Then an Otis Irvin-inspired under 13s avenged last year's grand final loss to Turvey Park, as they powered to a five-goal victory over the Bulldogs. (See below for full results).
EMCU president Nathan Stoll said the wins were a fitting reward for the hard work of coaches and players but pointed out that in a coronavirus-affected season, the bigger picture was what mattered most in 2020.
"Considering what the year looked like, I think everyone's absolutely rapt, parents and kids, just to get back out on the field," Stoll said.
"It showed how important sport is to the kids and also to parents to be involved in their development."
Seeing young players celebrate success was a fitting reward, and not only for the Goannas.
Wagga Tigers, led by best-on-ground Lachlan Field, produced a big comeback to beat Wagga Swans in the under 14s football grand final.
And Tigers' under 13 netballers overcame Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong comfortably.
The Lions however had success in the under 14 netball, downing Turvey Park by six goals.
But the Bulldogs went home with the two under 15s flags.
Stoll was thrilled with EMCU's big day out after a difficult year but said it was a day to appreciate efforts right across the league.
"We did a lot of work but it's a credit to everyone involved in the club, the parents trusting us as a committee and having faith in us. We did everything right, and that goes for every club in the league, not just us," Stoll said.
"As a committee and as a club, it's not all about winning, it's about getting the kids on the field, and it's just nice to get success and see the kids enjoy themselves.
"The kids show a lot of respect for their coaches and they try their hardest. But just playing was the main focus, and not just for us.
"Turvey dominated last year and this year to see a lot of Ganmain teams in there and Wagga Swans, there was good representation across a lot of clubs. I think everyone should be rapt.
"All credit to AFL Riverina too, Tom Walker and Marc Geppert. They had a huge job this year and given they had a lack of staff in there - just to make things happen and see how smoothly it ran, I think they should be really congratulated. It's extremely important that they're acknowledged for the work they did."
FOOTBALL GRAND FINALS
Under 12s:
Eastlakes-MCU 9.7 (61) d Wagga Swans 3.3 (21)
Best on Ground: Charlie Harper (EMCU)
Under 13s:
Eastlakes-MCU 7.7 (49) d Turvey Park 2.2 (14)
Best on Ground: Otis Irvin (MCUE)
Under 14s:
Wagga Tigers 5.8 (38) d Wagga Swans 3.1 (19)
Best on Ground: Lachlan Field (Tigers)
Under 15s:
Turvey Park 10.9 (69) to 6.6 (42)
Best on Ground: Jack Glanvill (Turvey Park)
NETBALL GRAND FINALS
Under 10s:
Eastlakes-MCU d GGGM 16-5
Best on Court: Abbey Hunt (EMCU), Zanthe Richardson (GGGM)
Under 11s:
Eastlakes-MCU d Turvey Park 32-13
Best on Court: Joella Creasy (EMCU), Abby Jordan (TP)
Under 12s:
Eastlakes-MCU d Wagga Swans 20-13
Best on Court: Inez McPherson (EMCU) and Svannah Godde (Swans)
Under 13s:
Wagga Tigers d GGGM 31-16
Best on Court: Zali Wheatley (Tigers) , Emily McPherson (GGGM)
Under 14s:
GGGM d Turvey Park 27-21
Best on Court: Ava Pritchett (GGGM), Leila Campbell (TP)
Under 15s:
Turvey Park d Eastlakes-MCU 30-28
Best on Court: Cleo Buttifant (TP), Ava Moller (EMCU)
- MORE JUNIOR SPORT NEWS right here