Old Haileybury rise to B-Grade flag

The stat that will blow your mind about Old Haileybury’s five-point VAFA premiership win.

Old Haileybury have won the VAFA B-Grade premiership while almost breaking the record for their lowest ever score.

Haileybury claimed the cup over University Blacks by five points as the final siren sounded in a wet and muddy affair at Elsternwick Park with the scores, 2.10 (22) to 2.5 (17) at full-time.

The 22 points for Haileybury almost broke the record for their lowest score recorded of 20, which they did in 1998 against Old Xaverians.

VAFA B-Grade premiers Old Haileybury captain

The match was a scramble all day as players quickly got themselves dirty in the puddles and mud smothered across large parts of the ground.

The best on ground medal was awarded to Joshua Steadman from the University Blacks who battled hard for his side in the losing final.

Haileybury coach Daniel Ward was proud of how far his team have come to win the premiership.

“It was sensational,” Ward said.

“We have come a long way and it has been a journey obviously with Covid.

“But what they have done this year, I couldn’t be prouder of them and for them to get the rewards now.”

Ward credited Uni Blacks’ efforts throughout the game and entire season.

“To the Uni Blacks, you’re effort was just super, you have been the best team all year losing one game,” he said post game.

“Didn’t go your way today but it could have gone either way.

“You’re a fantastic club, we got a lot respect for you and we look forward to playing you in the year’s to come in A-Grade.”

The ground was under enough water to move tomorrow’s grand finals to different venues. The large puddles on-field also caused a short delay at the start of the match.

Wet weather. Sept 17, 2022: VAFA B-grade grand final, Uni Blacks v Haileybury, smashed by rain this afternoon. picture: @UniBlacksFC / Twitter

Play began however and it was Haileybury’s Jack Munro kicking the first goal in the opening quarter before Brede Seccull booted one before halftime which turned out to be Haileybury’s last goal of the match.

University Blacks found their first lead of the match in the third quarter.

With Haileybury leading by a point at three-quarter time, the final term saw both sides throw everything on the line as Haileybury continued to fire behinds to trickle ahead without putting the game to bed.

The siren sounded it a nail- biting finish marking victory for Haileybury.

It was Haileybury’s second win over the University Blacks this season after they powered over them by 46 points in round 11.

Both sides will be going playing in the A-Grade next season.