Parndana Roosters vs Dudley Eagles

Played September 13

There were perfect conditions for football at Penneshaw for the A grade Grand Final between Parndana and Dudley as strong winds in the morning had abated.

Parndana won the toss and kicked with the aid of a light breeze to the southern end.

The game opened tight and hard with both teams putting tremendous pressure on the ball carriers. N Trethewey and L Wood were playing well for Parndana, while L Bowd, G Rosser & C Willson were in everything for the Eagles. S Windsor marked and goaled to open the scoring for Parndana with M Condo quickly replying for Dudley.

Parndana's M Gilbert scored the next goal and subsequent goals to C Willson and H Gurney had the premiership favourites rattled. Poor discipline in Parndana's forward lines cost them a goal and the quarter time score saw Dudley in front by four points.

C Willson and M Condo scored the next two for Dudley but the following period of play saw Parndana steady with most of the play in their half; inaccuracy in front of goal kept Dudley in touch. Both teams were playing hard, uncompromising football with Parndana leading by one point at half time.

The veteran H Gurney goaled at the beginning of the third quarter to regain the lead for Dudley. Parndana replied with goals to M Mills and S Windsor. The battle between C Willson and D Westbrook was terrific with both playing brilliantly. L Bowd was at his elusive best for Dudley and when H Gurney kicked his second for the quarter reducing Parndana's lead to a point, the stage was set for an exciting last quarter.

Dudley had the chance early in the quarter to regain the lead but C Willson missed a set shot. B May intercepted across half back and a chain of passes saw I Sullivan goal. T May passed to I Sullivan for Parndana's next. A goal to M Condo, his fourth, kept Dudley in touch with desperate defence from the Eagles keeping them in the game.

Hard, straight running from N Dugmore to score Parndana's tenth goal saw their lead increase to thirteen points which was the margin at the final siren.

The Best on Ground Medal was deservedly won by Dudley's L Bowd with N Trethewey runner up. The large crowd had witnessed an excellent, even, hard fought game which was played in great spirit.

The eventual winners were perhaps a little more evenly balanced with more depth on the bench. The wisdom of Dudley starting with only seventeen fit men possible telling in that desperate last quarter.

Final scores Parndana 10.14 (74) d Dudley United 9.7 (61).

Editor’s Note: Apologies to author Graham Wurst and readers for the late publication of this report.