Miranda Magpies are proud to announce that five teams have made it to the 2019 Grand Finals. Here is a rundown of the weekend action.
Our 13A's had a tough job to defend their title on their hands, Lilli Pilli were knocked out by the Magpies last year and they wanted revenge. They opened the scoring early in the first half and were controlling the game, but a massive one two punch from the Magpies and two quick goals meant we led heading into the break. The second half again was very even until a very unlucky scramble goal equalised and a late quality longshot ended the dreams of back to back Premierships. Coach Andrew and Manager Dayna have done an amazing job with these boys over the last two years and were all so proud of you all. Remember this loss, use it as fuel in 2020 because you know you're a champion team.
The Mighty 12E's fought out a dramatic 2-1 extra time win to face off against Engadine in the Grand Final this weekend. 1-1 after extra time, the Magpies slotted the winner sending the crowd into hysteria, as the second placed team won their right to challenge Crusaders in the Grand Final. It'll be a tough job, with Engadine scoring over 100 goals this season and beating Miranda 7-0 last weekend, but remember this boys. Everyone has an off day and determination, spirit and belief, literally anything can happen. Great job to Coach David and Manager Mick, WE BELIEVE!!!!!
The 15D's had an amazing run this season and we cannot be more proud of them. Making the Grand Final Qualifier was already a great achievement, but these boys didn't wait it to end here. They were just brilliant in this game, with both teams creating quality chances only to see the game remain at 0-0. Everyone thought it was heading to extra time, but North Sutherland had one last final push with seconds remaining and a fantastic cross was met with a thumping kick from close range and it was over, with the final kick of the game. Coach James and Manager Jack were all smiles depsite the last second loss, just so proud of this team, like we all are.
Our AL11's had a tough game against Menai in the closest competition in history of the SSFA. With 1 point separating 1st and 4th, it was goal difference that separated the teams. Menai knocked out our AL12's last year, it wasn't going to happen again. The game was end to end with both teams creating chances on the synthetic turf at Seymour Shaw Stadium. Menai looked to be heading to a victory when they score a goal midway through the first half and despite chance after chance, the AL11's just couldn't get the goal. With 20 seconds left, they lofted a corner for a driving header and it was 1-1, we're going to extra time. Both teams were out on their feet and our boys just couldn't get the goal they needed, ending 1-1 and being the lower ranked team, they were eliminated. Well done to Christian and Jimmy for their leadership, these boys can be proud of their efforts this season!
The 35F's kicked off the finals with a win over Barden Ridge, but they didn't predict that the Minor Premier Cronulla Seagulls would lose and they did. So the Magpies had to face off against the Minor Premiers to make the Grand Final. You know when you can beat 1st, you can win it all and that's the belief the 35F's have now, downing Cronulla 1-0 in an absolute thriller. Well done to Craig and the team for a dramatic upset, as the move onto the Grand Final against Marton Hammers. The Magpies won 2-0 and played out a 0-0 draw against Marton, who are yet to score against us this season. Good Luck men, we know you can do it!
Finally our SWA2's were looking to make it an all Miranda final when they took on St Patricks. Both teams traded goals early before the game settled into a tough, physical contest. Not a single yellow card was shown despite many shoulders that Sonny Bill Williams would be proud of, both teams gave their all for the victory. Miranda scored midway through the second half and were looking solid before a breakaway goal late forced the game into extra time. Neither team could get the winner with the match finishing 2-2 and St Patricks advancing, due to their 2nd place finish. Marty and the team should be proud of the improvement this season, they've come a long way in 12 months and we know next year, just could be the year.
So our 12E's and 35F's join our 14A's, 18E's and our SWA1's in the Grand FInals this weekend. Here is the match schedule....
SATURDAY
9:00am - 12E's vs Engadine Crusaders @ Kareela 3
12:00pm - 18E's vs St Patricks @ The Ridge 1
12:15pm - 14A's vs Cronulla Seagulls @ Kareela 4
SUNDAY
10:30am - 35F's vs Marton Hammers @ Lakewood City
12:00pm - SWA1's vs St Patricks @ Seymour Shaw Stadium
Let's all get out and support our Miranda Magpies, see how many titles we can bring home. There will be celebrations at the clubhouse on Sunday night from 6pm with (hopefully) all our Grand Finalist lifting the trophy. Everyone is welcome!
