The Hunter River Times

The Singleton Roosters’ youth girls’ team have secured a spot in next week’s grand final.

The undefeated line-up made history at Max McMahon Oval when celebrating a 14.15 (99) to 0.1 (1) semi-final win against the Terrigal Avoca Panthers.

The top two sides had only met once prior to the final when Singleton celebrated a 9.6 (60) to 0.0 (0) victory at Hylton Moore Oval.

A total of 12 girls are hoping to add to their equally impressive 2020 Youth Girls 13 premiership result when they defeated Cardiff 10.17 (77) to 0.1 (1) at Tulkaba Park.

Nine members from the squad also featured in St Catherine’s Catholic College’s winning Paul Kelly Cup side in 2019.

“We set a goal on Sunday to record five marks inside-50 every quarter,” coach Alex Tigani explained.

“Although we hit the scoreboard early we only lead that statistic 2-0 at the first break.

“In the second quarter our forwards lifted their work rate and the stat lifted 10-0 then 14-0 then 5-1 in the final quarter.”

Terrigal Avoca will now play off against Cardiff this Sunday for the remaining grand final spot. The grand final will take place on Sunday, September 4.

UNDER 13

The Singleton Roosters under-13 side celebrated a convincing 7.3 (45) to 2.3 (15) elimination final win against Nelson Bay at Dick Burwell Oval on Sunday afternoon.

Second year coach Daltyn McCartney hopes to see his side progress to the grand final.

They must defeat Warners Bay when they face off at 1pm this Sunday (game to be held at Tulkaba Park).

The Bulldogs suffered a tight 5.5 (35) to 4.3 (27) defeat to Newcastle City who have advanced to the grand final.

WOMENS

The Singleton Roosterettes celebrated an upset 23-point win over Wyong Lakes on Saturday to finish their first season in the Women’s Black Diamond Cup competition with a 5-9 record.

Two time best and fairest winner Tori Cowburn returned from a hamstring injury, captain Kyah McBride prevented Wyong’s run in the midfield, Sarah Dunn continued to dominate the centre clearance count and Sarah Mousley also proved to be a welcomed addition in the ruck.

Neisha MacPherson and Lynan Scott also kept Wyong to a low score through their run off of half back.

Proud coach Nadene McBride joyfully declared to The Hunter River Times that she could write a novel about the game.

“Personally, I think it was the second best win of my coaching career – everyone played the role they were given and played our game showing the Magpies what we can do,” she concluded.

The club AGM will now take place at the clubrooms on Thursday, September 15 at 6:30pm. A new committee will need to be formed.

MENS

The Muswellbrook Cats will be the Upper Hunter’s sole representative in the AFL Hunter Central Coast senior finals series.

They will commence their campaign with an elimination final against Newcastle City on Saturday, September 3. If successful, the Cats will then play the loser of Warners Bay vs. Maitland for a spot in the Men’s Black Diamond Shield grand final.