Tonners re-enter William Buck Premier draped in premiership flag

James Mottershead

Old Brighton will re-enter William Buck Premier draped in a premiership flag after they defeated Old Scotch by 36 points at Trevor Barker Oval.

The Tonners were led admirably by co-captains, Dylan Verney and Harry Hill, with the former named Ian Cordner Medallist following a standout performance in defence and Hill kicking three goals.

The Tonners started the stronger of the two sides in the physical affair, getting on the board first through Brock Rawlinson. They continued to pepper the goals but failed to capitalise. Josh Halsall looked dangerous for Scotch, but it was James Sansom who kicked an important late goal to keep them in touch.

The first term belonged to the Tonners, however, and they took a seven-point lead into quarter time despite kicking inaccurately for 2.8.

Halsall quickly got things going for Scotch in the second quarter, goal-ing in the opening minutes to even the contest despite fewer scoring shots.

Enter Michael Karayannis.

The small forward kicked a stunner, shedding two tackles before slamming it through the middle of the big sticks, and moments later latched onto another one to give Brighton a three-goal lead.

The contest looked to be getting away from Scotch when Ben Jakobi kicked truly to put the Tonners four goals up, but Halsall was keeping his team in the game and kicked his second for the term to trim the margin back to three goals.

As the halftime siren sounded, Halsall was again streaming into goal but couldn’t get his kick away in time, resulting in Brighton holding a handy three-goal halftime lead.

GT Moore Medallist and Tonners co-captain, Harry Hill, started to find plenty of the ball and kicked his first goal early in the third before Scotch’s Harry Larwill answered straight back moments later.

Cue 25 minutes of tight, physical, finals footy where no score was added.

It meant Brighton held a three-goal lead going into the last quarter of Premier B footy for the season.

The Tonners looked to shut the contest down, but that is always a danger in big games and Scotch got the first and the margin was cut back to a manageable 11 points.

Enter two absolute ball-bursting, contest-killing long-range goals from Pat Liston and Hill.

Hill’s was particularly inspiring, getting on the end of some crisp work in the middle, running to 50 and slamming it through the middle into the Brighton supporter base and causing unbelievable scenes.

By the time Hill kicked his third to put his side up by five goals the contest was over, Brighton had done enough.

The Tonners added one more through Luke Healy and eventually ran out 36-point winners.

Verney was immense for Brighton in defence on his way to best on ground honours, stifling Scotch’s attacks all day with intercept marks and an ice cool head under pressure.

Congratulations to both teams for putting on a great spectacle and for gaining promotion to William Buck Premier next season.

Ian Cordner Medal: Dylan Verney (Old Brighton)

Earlier in the day, the Tonners commenced proceedings with the reserves flag after they defeated Scotch by 34 points. Kicking with the wind in the first two quarters due to the change, the Tonners led by 37 points at the half time break before holding the Cardinals off for the remainder of the match. Martin Ho was named best afield for the premiers.

Best on Ground Medal: Martin Ho (Old Brighton)