Jimboomba Redbacks under 15s girls’ team has finished runners-up after a narrow grand final loss to Calamvale at Yeronga on the weekend.
The Redbacks came back from as much as 20 points down in the third quarter to fall 6.2.38 to 4.4.28 to lose just their third game all season.
Despite the loss, Jimboomba’s coach David Balmforth said his team was still proud of what was a highly successful season.
“They were disappointed in the loss but all in all they know how they went; they know they worked hard all year, they know they are a good side,” he said.
“We didn’t let them get away with a big win, it wasn’t a blowout.
“They are proud of themselves for where they got to and our parents couldn’t be any prouder.
“We actually lost to Yeronga early in the season as well. We had a bad day and they got over us by three goals; but otherwise only a one point loss to Calamvale in the last game of the (regular) season was the only other loss we’ve had.”
Scores were tied at a goal and a major each at the end of the first quarter but the more experienced Calamvale side was able to establish a buffer in the third quarter.
“They kicked a couple of handy goals, they got a couple of free kicks in front of goal in the third quarter and got up to a three goal lead,” Balmforth said.
“We started pegging them back a fair bit in the last quarter but we didn’t capitalise on our inside 50s in the last quarter and put the points on the board when we really needed to.
“They just held us out.”
Balmforth said he couldn’t be more proud of the way his young side hung in the match.
“Calamvale are very physical and niggly, a lot of older bodies,” he said.
“Half our team is still only 14, they’ve got a bit more experience there, it’s been tough playing against them.
“Every time we’ve played them it’s been pretty close.”
Balmforth said the team had developed into one of the best sides in the competition in a short time.
“From we’re we came from three (seasons) ago in 2015 we were a nine to 11 player team, all 12- and 13-year-olds playing in an under 15s comp,” he said.
“We built on that to come fifth in division one last year.
“We were quite competitive last year in division one.
“To now have a 22 player squad this year and never really looking like missing out on the grand final.
“It was always going to come down to us and Calamvale, no doubt about that, they are a good side.
“We’ve come a long way.”
The Redbacks will hold their presentation night this Friday at the Veresdale Hotel.
