There are dynasties. And there are dynasties.
The Lifenet A-Reserves continued a remarkable domination of the competition when they won their sixth premiership in eight seasons after a clinical performance against Trinity Aquinas last Saturday.
The Beach again showed a liking for the wide expanses of Steel Blue Oval, dominating from the outset with a 9.12 (66) to 2.9 (21) victory over the unfortunate Boomers who also tasted the agony of defeat in the A-Grade Grand Final hours later.
The depth of the Beach has been abundantly obvious over recent years although, frustratingly, it hasn’t resulted in the group elevating to success in A-Grade.
This 45-point triumph was again set up by Jack McIntosh, the lively rebounding half-back prominent from the outset and for the second time in a Grand Final he was afforded the distinction of being judged best afield.
He had previously risen to the occasion a few years ago in the Phil Scot Colts premiership. Aside from McIntosh, the work of veteran Ben Sweeny – who collects premiership medals for fun – was exceptional while ruckman Tom DeCourtenay continued an outstanding season by offering his teammates first use of the ball.
Justin Prior and Liam Catalfamo were among the beneficiaries of the big man’s artistry while Lachie Scurria and Jamie Bennett also exerted a strong influence and were dangerous around goals.
Indicative of the control North Beach enjoyed was that Trinity Aquinas’ first goal came in the second quarter after a double 50 metre penalty while their last major came deep in the final term.
If the game was not beyond the Boomers’ reach at the half it was in the early stages of the third quarter when the Tigers rattled on three quick goals.
It’s not often that you can comfortably play out a Grand Final triumph, but the Beach was never threatened after the main break.
Grand Final
Lifenet A-Reserves
North Beach 3.4 3.9 7.9 9.12 66
Trinity Aquinas 0.3 1.5 1.7 2.9 21
Goals – North Beach: Eaton 2, Hall 1, Brooks 1, O’Connell 1, Hunter 1, Torre 1, Connell 1, Blackburn 1
Best – North Beach: McIntosh (Best on Ground), Prior, DeCourtenay, Sweeny, Catalfamo, Scurria.
