Men’s A Grade Round 1 and 2 Recap

Round 1

After losing the 2024 B Grade Grand Final by only 4 points, and after managing to finish 1^st on the ladder, Whitford made their A Grade Men debut against Kingsway, the 2024 A Grade premiers. Whitford scored the first goal of the game, however, the lead doesn’t last long as Kingsway, through sharpo-shooter Kyle Halligan, manages 3 goals, ending the 1st quarter 19-8 for a Kingsway lead.

Neither team manages to find the goal at the beginning of the 2^nd quarter until a lucky kick by Whitford highlights their determination to prove their worth in the A Grade competition. Whitford’s climb up is interrupted by a goal from Kingsway. However, this doesn’t deter the Warriors who, within a couple of minutes, scores 2 goals.

Half Time results in a 27-27 scoreline but determined to show why they were last year’s premiers, Kingsway managed 2 quick goals to skip out to a lead. The remainder of the 3^rd quarter ends with Whitford scoring quickly to again find themselves level at 46-46.

In the 4^th quarter, Whitford struck first with the opening goal, before Kingsway increased the pressure, managing 2 goals in just 2 minutes. Despite Whitford’s continued fight, Kingsway finished strong with 2 more goals in the final 90 seconds. Kyle Halligan scores his 5^th goal of the game, rounding out the score to 71-54. A close game throughout the 2^nd and 3^rd quarter, Whitford couldn’t stay with last year’s premier to just fall short.

Final Score:

Kingsway: 71 (11.5)

Whitfords: 54 (8.6)

Round 2

Trinity Aquinas ended the 2024 season at the top of the A Grade ladder while their round 2 competitors, University, ended the season 6^th. The 2 teams have not faced each other since round 10 of last season, where University took the win by 6 points.

Trinity Aquinas, looking for redemption, came out firing, securing the opening goal within the first four minutes. However, University wasted no time responding, adding a goal and a behind back-to-back. With 10 minutes left, University added 2 goals in the final 7 minutes, ending the quarter, leading 20-3.

At the beginning of the 2^nd quarter, Trinity Aquinas was looking to chip away at the 17 point margin. However, their momentum faded as University managed 2 more goals, heading into halftime with an impressive 33-5 lead.

The 3^rd quarter started with intensity as Trinity Aquinas came out with determination, managing 3 goals in the opening 3 minutes through Xavier Stone. University responded swiftly with a goal of their own to keep their lead. Trinity Aquinas continued to push, but despite a spirited effort, University maintained the upper hand, heading into the final quarter with a 52-29 lead.

Trinity Aquinas, looking to make a comeback, opened the final quarter with a behind, followed quickly by a goal. However, their momentum had run dry as University took back control with a goal. Just two minutes later, University struck again with another goal, and with less than four minutes remaining, they added their 11th goal of the match to ensure victory. After a well-fought game, University managed a brilliant win 71-36. The result also marks a tough start to the season for Trinity Aquinas, who now sit 0-2 to begin their 2025 season.

Final Score:

University: 71 (11.5)

Trinity Aquinas: 36 (4.12)