By Mark Gullick
NARRE Warren claimed back-to-back premierships in the reserves after a dramatic extra-time encounter with Cranbourne.
The final margin was 18 points, but a handful of points separated the teams until late in the match.
Margins of just four points, four points, and one point separated the teams at the changes – as each side had a run of supremacy on the contest.
This was highlighted in the opening term with goals to Brent McGrath and Shane Begent giving Cranbourne the perfect start, before Narre Warren countered with the next three goals, to Jake Gray, Alex Sakadjian and Nick Cowan.
Over the ensuring two quarters, there was little difference between the teams.
Cranbourne held a one-point lead at three quarter-time.
Cowan booted his third major in the opening moments of the final term, before Begent set up a goal to Eagles captain Damian Whitnell.
The ball zipped around the field, but promising forward thrusts concluded in minor scores.
In the dying stages of the quarter, Daniel Kirby completed a brilliant pack mark.
His shot sailed to the left of the goals, knotting the scores at 63 points apiece and the match finished in a mad scramble.
The final siren sounded and the match went into extra-time – a unique phenomenon.
Jamie Tapner took the spotlight and quickly booted the first two goals before Daniel Papa slammed through his second goal as the Magpies skipped away.
Cranbourne desperately fought back, but was unable to find the big sticks as Narre Warren held on to win a classic encounter.
Narre Warren youngster Tom Connell was awarded the best-on-ground medal for his determined display.
He was ably supported by Michael McKenzie in defence, the polished Tapner and hard-working on-baller Damian Collins.
Papa and Kirby were lively in the forward half.
Cranbourne was led by rugged, hard-running midfielders Max Gearon and John Frenken, backmen Ben Forsyth and Kayne Blezard and the rugged Tori Biddle.
Shane Begent kicked two goals and loomed as a constant threat in the forward line.
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