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3-out-of-2 aint bad !!! On Saturday at Hurstville Oval, 2 of the 3 Penshurst RSL teams competing in Mod semi-finals were successful in progressing to the final, whilst one team's season was unfortunately ended. All 3 teams played against Hurstville United.
First team up to the plate was our under 9s. Despite a terrific start, they led 12-6 shortly before half-time, the u9s were unable to contain their bigger opponent, eventually losing 16-34. Conceding a glut of possession and field position, meant our boys spent too much time defending and too little time with the ball. Congratulations to all of the u9s players and to coach Sean Saliba and his staff on a tremendous season, their first in a competitive age group.
Next cab off the rank was our under 11s who engaged in a tense battle, half-time was 12-all, before overcoming the opposition 30-18 with great defence, persistence and some good passing and footwork. The u11s now progress to next week's final against Brighton Seagulls to compete for a spot in the Grand Final.
Finally, the under 12 Golds took the field as underdogs and delighted their supporters in a tight see-sawing contest, coming from behind late in the game to snatch a thrilling 22-16 victory. The u12s now progress to next week's final against Earlwood Saints to compete for a spot in the Grand Final.
A terrific day of football in beautiful spring conditions at Hurstville Oval.
...and then there were FOUR ! On a day of gripping and exciting football, but disappointing results, all 4 of our International teams were defeated. Fortunately the season ended for only 2 of our teams, as the other 2 still have a second bite of the cherry next week...
The first of our International teams, the under 13s, bowed out of the finals this morning in an absolute thriller- going down 26-30 in extra time. The u13s staged an exciting comeback from 10-26 down midway through the 2nd half to square the score at 26-all seconds before full-time. Unfortunately they were unable to convert that momentum into points in extra time. Congratulations to the u13s players on another great season and to coach Scotty McCulloch and his staff on their work with their team.
The under 14s were on the way to a big upset in the Major Semi against hot favourites Earlwood Saints when they led 24-20 midway through the second half. Unfortunately our boys could not withstand a strong finish by much larger opponents, finally succumbing 24-36. The u14s have another chance to qualify for their Grand Final next weekend against Brighton Seagulls.
Next up our under 16s participated in an engrossing and tense Major Semi against minor premiers Kingsgrove Colts. Leading 30-26 with moments remaining, an error gave the opposition field position and an opportunity which was converted. Extra time was an end-to-end battle which finally saw the opposition claim victory. The u16s have another chance to qualify for their Grand Final in next weekend's Final.
In the last semi-final of the weekend, our under 19s fought a gallant uphill battle in the Minor Semi against Kingsgrove Colts. Starting with a injury-weakened bench, our stocks were further reduced courtesy of 2 leg injuries within the space of a couple of tackles. The boys battled gamely but were always playing a catch-up game. Ultimately they could not cover the shortages and were eliminated by the final score-line of 6-26. Coach Martin Lee, his staff and all of the u19s players are to be congratulated on an excellent season.
| Semi-Finals | | Saturday, 15th August, 2009 | | u6 |
| Penshurst RSL Green |
| Brighton Seagulls |
| | u6 |
| Penshurst RSL Gold |
| Arncliffe Scots |
| | u6 |
| Penshurst RSL Gold |
| Hurstville United White |
| | u7 |
| Penshurst RSL |
| Brighton Seagulls |
| | u8 |
| Penshurst RSL Green |
| Kogarah Cougars |
| | u8 |
| Penshurst RSL Gold |
| Renown United White |
| | u9 | Minor-Semi | Penshurst RSL | 16 | Hurstville United | 34 | | u11 | Minor-Semi | Penshurst RSL | 30 | Hurstville United | 18 | | u12 | Minor-Semi | Penshurst RSL Gold | 22 | Hurstville United | 16 |
| | Sunday, 16th August, 2009 | | u13 | Minor-Semi | Penshurst RSL | 26 | Arncliffe Scots | 30 | | u14 | Major Semi | Penshurst RSL | 24 | Earlwood Saints | 36 | | u16B | Major Semi | Penshurst RSL | 30 | Kingsgrove Colts | 34 | | u19 | Minor-Semi | Penshurst RSL | 6 | Kingsgrove Colts | 26 | |
