16.09.08 – Rohan Williams
Fairfield City/Sydney
University has won their first premiership for the club with a thrilling
one-point victory over arch-rivals Manly-Warringah
in the Division Seven Grand Final of the Dooleys NSW State League at the Anne
Clark Centre in Lidcombe on Saturday.
The two teams had
built up a competitive rivalry throughout the season, sharing the spoils from
their two meetings with one victory apiece. Both sides finished on 30 points at
the end of 18 rounds, with Manly taking out the minor premiership with a
superior for-and-against.
While Manly were the
more dominant side throughout the season, Fairfield /Sydney Uni saved their
best performances for their matches against the minor premiers, and took an
early lead, going into the first quarter break up 15-10. But Manly fought back
strongly, closing the gap to one goal at the halftime break with some excellent
shooting and dominant possession from the mid-court.
Manly continued their
resurgence in the third quarter, taking a 37-34 lead into the final period and
looking in control of the match. But Fairfield/Sydney Uni had other ideas, and
scored early in the last quarter to come back into contention. With only a
minute remaining, Fairfield/Sydney Uni took the lead by one goal and held on
for a thrilling victory and a maiden premiership for the team.
