Parrots reserves soar to flag

By Andrew Paloczi

LEONGATHA deservingly hoisted the reserves premiership cup after taking charge of the contest against Sale from the game’s early moments.

Tom Crocker showed zip in the wild and windy conditions, goaling on the run just seconds into the grand final, and continued to provide spark for the Parrots. Minutes later, they had another major from general play.

While Zak Russell answered for Sale, capitalising on a 50-metre penalty, Leongatha’s Jacob Lamers responded with a goal from close range after being tackled high.

He continued to be a challenge for Sale, being one of the Parrot’s best performers in their 31-point grand final triumph.

His teammate Tim Sauvarin starred on the day and set the tone from early, whether providing momentum from the backline or willing himself to contests around the ground.

He put his impressive aerobic capacity to the test, and capped off his determination with classy use of the footy, ultimately being recognised as the game’s best player.

Mason McGannon was another who looked lively from the outset for the eventual winner.

Not allowing the strong wind to be a deciding force, Leongatha backed up its 20-point quarter time lead with another strong showing in the second stanza, setting up a near insurmountable 34-point advantage by halftime.

Such was Leongatha’s dominance, the Magpies managed just two goals to that point, leaving Sale a steep task in the increasingly slippery conditions.

Sauvarin appeared not to notice the second quarter rain, playing dry weather football with aplomb as he grabbed an intercept mark and mounted a spectacular run.

He took a couple of bounces and kicked the Parrots deep into attack.

While Sale was able to keep Leongatha quiet on the scoreboard in the early minutes of the second term, Ben Perry restored the Parrots’ momentum with an accurate set shot 10 minutes in.

Flynn Materia was then involved in an exhilarating chain of passes, receiving the ball back and nailing a beauty on the run to extend Leongatha’s lead beyond five goals.

That opportunity stemmed from a tremendous Dylan Garnham tackle that earned a free kick and got the Parrots out of a tight spot in defence.

By the final change, Leongatha enjoyed a 30-point lead, but playing coach Rhett Kelly urged his players not to relent in the remaining stanza.

“You’ve worked your arses off all year and we’ve been the best team and that’s the reason you’re going to be lifting that cup, but you’ve got 20 minutes of hard work to go,” he said before finishing his speech with a colourful flourish.

While Sale never threatened to pinch the match, the Magpies continued to apply themselves, narrowly winning the second half.

They were well served by the likes of Josh Butcher, Hayden Potts and Thomas Campbell, with the latter showing a knack for winning the ball and using it well in the increasingly difficult conditions.

Celebrations were well earned at the Parrots nest, with Leongatha’s near perfect reserves season sitting neatly with its unbeaten senior triumph.

Leongatha 10.9(69) def Sale 6.2(38)