History in Saints’ first flag

THE Carrara Saints senior men’s team have earned promotion to what could become a QFA division two competition dominated by Gold Coast teams in 2019 following a historic grand final win.

The Saints beat Ipswich 15.14 (104) to 9.9 (63) in the QFA division three premiership decider in front of about 1000 spectators at Bendigo Bank Oval on Saturday.

It was the club’s first senior premiership. ”It’s still a bit surreal,” coach Nicholas Pearson said. “I’m just really proud for the club and proud to be part of history.

“I’m the only ever premiership coach for Carrara. It’s a weird feeling.”

It was the Ipswich Eagles’ second successive grand final defeat.

Carrara will be elevated to QFA division two next year, a 10-team competition that includes Gold Coast teams Bond University, Coomera, Coolangatta Tweed and Robina. Forward Ashley Templar, who kicked eight goals in last year’s grand final for Victoria Point, was the man who broke Ipswich’s hearts again.

Templar booted nine goals to take his season tally to 104 in an effort that earned him the best on ground medal.

“It’s amazing. It’s unbelievable … there’s no way in the world I thought we’d get this far,” Templar said. “There’s no egos in the team; no individuals. We’re a team.”