Elijah Ware steers Ironbank to a Hills A2 grand final triumph against Brett James’s Kersbrook
ELIJAH Ware steers Ironbank to drought-breaking Hills A2 grand final over Kersbrook; Robe in another thriller over Mt Burr; West Whyalla beats Weerona Bay; and Kingscote topples Western Districts.
HE’D won SANFL flags with Central District but steering Ironbank to a drought-breaking Hills A2 grand final triumph against Brett James’ Kersbrook was sweetest for Elijah Ware.
Ironbank, coached by Ware and Stuart Wells, won its first flag since going back to back in 1998-99. Ironbank’s efficiency kicking 14.11 (95) to Kersbrook’s 9.13 (67) prevailed in swirling, icy winds.
The Thunderers were never headed in an upset, 28-point win with Ware best a field when it mattered.
“Every flag is sweet, you work hard through the year and it is good to get a bit of reward,” said Ware who played two AFL games for Port Adelaide in 2006.
It was all of 10 degrees as rain and cars encircled Callington Oval where the Bremer River flows nearby. It didn’t dampen the spirits of the hardy Hills folk. This was unabridged country footy at its best.
Everyone had a hands on role in getting their boys to the second Saturday in September from waterboys to salt of the earth types manning the BBQ’s, Esky bars and match commentary.
Ironbank, a community club without a pub or postbox as president Paul Langman notes, was desperate to atone for losing last year’s grand final to Nairne-Bremer. Training under first-year coaching combination Wells and Ware on Thursday night had none of the excitement of last year, just a singular focus on the job to be done.
“Stuie and I have taken it on from last year, changed the club a little bit and put in a bit of a game plan. It took as us while and all paid off in the end,” said Ware as post match celebrations hit overdrive.
Winning with a group of kids and colourful figures sporting dodgy haircuts who came through the club’s junior grades found a special place in the heart for Ware.
“You have guys like Jarrod Tagliaferri, Chris Morgan and Levi Grigg is a bit of character. You get them at every club. These boys have been together since they were juniors and haven’t tasted success at A-grade level. It means a lot to them and good to see boys sticking around the club. It is always good to win as an underdog.”
Ware paid tribute to Norwood and Crows legend James who cut a stoic figure in defeat.
“Kersbrook are a tough unit. Paul James still dominates and so does Beef when he plays. It is great to see guys go off to AFL, win premierships and be back at their local club doing that sort of stuff,” said Ware of super coach James.
“It is amazing.”
OTHER LEAGUES
HIGH drama continued to surround Robe as it snapped a 15-year premiership drought by beating Mt Burr on the siren at Glencoe, 9.10 (64) to 9.7 (61).
The win comes after Robe kicked a goal after the siren — also against Mt Burr — to secure a spot in the grand final in the Mid South East Football League a fortnight ago.
“What a win — just amazing,” was president John Fenton’s first words as celebrations began.
Craig Pitt was the leading goal kicker with three — and also kicked the one on the siren — while Jonathan Agnew was the man of the match.
WEST Whyalla secured the Whyalla League premiership after recording a comfortable win against Weerona Bay, 10.13 (73) to 2.14 (16).
Damien Coyne kicked three goals while Saul Tonkin was judged best afield.
ON KANGAROO Island, Kingscote won the flag after beating Western Districts in another country football thriller, 6.10 (46) to 6.7 (43).
