TNL under 19s: Cavs go back-to-back, continue Cripps’ grand final heartache

The Cavaliers sealed back-to-back titles and continued the Cripps’ history of grand final heartache in Saturday’s TNL under-19 grand final. Read how the decider unfolded.

The Cavaliers held off a gallant Cripps Waratah to seal back-to-back titles and continue the visitors’ run of under-19 TNL grand final heartache with a 50-45 win at the Silverdome on Saturday.

Coming off a dominant 30-goal thrashing of minor premiers the Hawks in the qualifying final, the Cavaliers made their move in the third term to defend their premiership.

The two sides’ clashes this year were cliffhangers, with the Cavaliers winning one contest by a goal and the other a draw.

It was no different in the match that matters, with scores deadlocked at quarter time and half time after a first half filled with momentum swings.

The Cavs appeared to have broken the visitors’ resistance up 35-29 with five minutes left in the third quarter.

When Cripps responded to get within a goal, three quick unanswered goals gave the Cavs a priceless four-goal break heading into the last quarter.

They managed to hold a comfortable buffer throughout the final term to secure a second straight crown.

Cavalier Ella McArthur in action. Picture: Minch Media

Cripps have been ultra consistent in the 19s, making the past seven grand finals, with their sole triumph in 2022.

After going unbeaten last campaign, Cavaliers coach Lynda Colgrave said they felt less weight on their shoulders heading into Saturday’s decider.

They thrashed minor premiers the Hawks by 30 goals in the qualifying final after they lost to them twice during the regular season.

Cavaliers goal attack Sophie Brewer was named player of the grand final. Picture: Minch Media

“I think there was more pressure last year. It was just pure relief after the game finished then, this time I think we could enjoy it a bit more because we’d taken a harder road,” Colgrave said.

“The three top teams, it was really a toss of the coin who was going to win it.

“We had winners all over the court today. We knew the game was going to ebb and flow and we hoped we’d be on the right end of it, but it wasn’t until the two minute mark I felt safe.

“We knew they were going to keep coming, we respect them so much.”

Cripps Waratah's Mia Anderson looks to pass. Picture: Minch Media

Under-17 national squad member Sophie Brewer was named player of the match after scoring 35 goals for the Cavs at goal-attack.

“We all knew it was going to be a 60 minute game and we had to ride those waves. We’ve worked really hard for this result,” Brewer said.

“We all had really good defensive contests throughout the whole court, it was a good team effort.

“Our pressure was really good, everyone puts in those efforts and it comes up with the rewards.”

Matilda Franklin scored 30 goals for Cripps while captain Abbey Geappen was a standout in centre court.

Cavaliers players celebrate their grand final win at full time. Picture: Minch Media