U14 Saints notch up unbeaten flag run

ST Mary’s completed a perfect season in the under-14s Gunderson competition yesterday after claiming a 25-point victory over Nightcliff at TIO Stadium.

The Saints didn’t concede a goal until the second half, ensuring their unbeaten record would not be broken with a 9.6 (60) to 5.5 (35) victory.

To Nightcliff’s credit, it finished the contest with five majors, but a strong St Mary’s start proved too big to reel in.

Saints coach Anthony Vallejo said his side deserved the result.

“We knew we had a talented team at the beginning and the coaching staff and myself really wanted to push them. We trained them really hard and they exceeded all our limits,” he said.

“What you see here is the future of the St Mary’s Football Club. I would be very surprised if we don’t get five or six 200-gamers out of this lot.”

Vallejo paid credit to best on ground John Friel, who played well above his weight.

“Johnny Friel had an excellent game, it shows size doesn’t matter. He’s the smallest bloke in the team, but what he brings is Cyril Rioli-like, his forward line pressure,” Vallejo said.

In the under-14s Lewfatt decider, Banks proved far too strong for Palmerston 8.10 (58) to 1.0 (6).

The Bulldogs kept Palmerston scoreless after quarter time, taking a 23-point lead into the main break before later putting their foot down.