| EAST GIPPSLAND NEWSPAPERS 8 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2024 Swampies swoop on junior title Lindenow South gritted its teeth, digging deep to get past Omeo Benambra to win the under 16 Omeo District premiership. The Swampies had to go the hard way to make the grand final by finishing the home and away season third, however they weren't overawed by the occasion, in fact they claimed and early lead and never conceded it despite the Ranges' best effort during a third quarter fight back. South eventually won by 17 points, kicking two goal to zero in the final term to secure the premiership trophy for club legends, coaches Nathan Pollard and Russell White. Onballer Blake Maiden was awarded the best afield medal, kicking an important goal but being a major ball winner and carrier in windy conditions. South kicked the opener against the tide. Omeo was on too early but unable to capitalise, instead the Swampies applying immense pressure which opened the door got Mitch Preston to goal after continued forward entries. Billy Warfe replied for Omeo's first with a brilliant left foot snap set shot deep in the pocket, but he would be a one-man band in attack as the Ranges struggled to find scoring avenues. Towards the end of a tense first quarter Omeo's Beau Wrigley was sent off, the resulting 50m penalty gifting the Swampies a goal after the siren and a 12-point lead. South won multiple holding the ball free kicks in the opening term, the tackling pressure immense as the took the game up to the Ranges. Maiden extended the lead to 20 early in the second term but Warfe answered after weaving through traffic. Both teams added just one goal in a tight second quarter which saw the Swampies lead by 14 at the half. Omeo kicked into gear early in the third quarter with Warfe's third cutting the deficit to eight. Warfe almost snapped his fourth immediately after but the ball was touched. It mattered little as he soon did drill his fourth with a smart piece of roving. The margin was back to one point and it was game on. A couple of late behinds ensured South remained in front by three points at the final change. When Mason Irish kicked his second goal under pressure in the goalsquare midway through the final term, South pushed to an 11-point lead which was going to be difficult to reel in. Cooper Jansz kicked the sealer soon after and it was party time for the Swampies. Maiden was joined in the best by Archie Irish, Kody Hammer and Delila Martin, while Warfe kicked the majority of Omeo Benambra's score, Colten Pendergast won plenty of the football and Rayden Pooley was resolute in defence. FINAL SCORE Lindenow South 3.2 4.5 4.8 6.11 (47) Omeo Benambra 1.2 2.3 4.5 4.6 (30) GOALS – Lindenow South: M. Irish 2; J. Ellis, C. Jansz, B. Maiden, M. Preston. Omeo Benambra: B. Warfe 4. BEST – Lindenow South: B. Maiden, A. Irish, K. Hammer, D. Martin, W. Davidson, M. Irish. Omeo Benambra: B. Warfe, C. Pendergast, R. Pooley, J. Plowman, J. O'Keeffe, H. Crane. Lindenow South’s Kody Hammer chases after a loose ball with pressure form Omeo Benambra’s Colten Pendergast and support from teammate Will Davidson during the Swampies’ 17-point Omeo District junior football premiership. Omeo Benambra’s Kye Piper has a shot on goal. Lindenow South onballer Blake Maiden was outstanding during his side’s victory, winning the best afield medal. ORDER YOUR COPY newspaperphotos.com.au 540 Main St, Bairnsdale | www.westpointmotors.com.au | LMCT 6382 (03) 5152 1941 Massive 7 year manufacturer's warranty incl. Roadside assistance & capped price servicing Massive savings on all 2023 built - 2024 complied vehicles Ssangyong - Trend Setters Musso voted DRIVE best d/cab under $50k To all the teams in the 2024 Finals GOOD LUCK!
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