Schneider’s Scintillating Seconds entered the Finals with a seriously good season, finishing third with 13 wins for the Season.
Unfortunately two of those losses were against Seaford who had beaten us 10.13.73 to 10.10.70 in round 1 and then repeated the dose in round 10 with a 5.9.39 to 4.3.29 victory.
Small losses with some lucky breaks falling Seaford’s way however, gave the boys some reason for optimism as we entered the Qualifying Final against Seaford ..yet again.. in this years finals.
With our best side available, we went in to the game full of confidence that Schneiders machinations and planning would get us to the post ..!!
At the ungodly time of 9.30am, the boys therefore took the field, on a beautiful spring morning in perfect conditions and drew the straw to kick to the Beach end……..hit the Link !!
On Sunday, Barry’s Battling Bemouths take on the Seaford Juggernaut, in the 2nd Semi Final for yet another finals encounter in a five year series that can only be described as best forgotten !! As Seaford rolled on to 3 premierships in a row, whilst beating them easily on innumerable occasions during the H & A series ( twice one year ), when it has come to the finals our record of success has been zilch, zero,0.
Whilst leading, or at least holding our own to the half way mark (or even just beyond !!) our play in the last stanzas of the finals matches that count, particularly v Seaford, has been all too often..to put it nicely….totally fragile/tragic !!.
The last half, last Q fadeout, when on top of an opponent has become all too synonymous with past YCW teams and their style of play, when put under pressure by top sides, in the stress of the September Finals scenario.
I know the bitter taste of defeat from these encounters, and particularly that from last years Prelim against Edy/Asp still lingers, and that those who drank from the cup will never let it touch their lips again..
For those who have forgotten that taste…..go back to the 2007 Grand Final …… this years Home game.. ……. or try the 2007 2nd Semi Final ……or even the 2009 Reserve Grand Final !!! …….or even the 2007 Reserve 2nd Semi Final …and REMEMBER !!!!
