Jeparit Rainbow storm into their first grand final in Horsham league
A country footy side will have an opportunity to end a 26-year premiership drought when it contests a grand final this weekend. This is how they’ve built to the occasion.
For the towns of Jeparit and Rainbow in Victoria’s north west, the talk will be centred around one thing this week – their footy team.
The Jeparit Rainbow Storm created history on the weekend in the Horsham league, making the grand final for the first time since moving to the competition in 2015.
Their 11-point win over Noradjuha Quantong is their first grand final appearance since the team won the Mallee league premiership in 1997.
“It’s very significant for the two towns and the community as a whole,” Jeparit Rainbow president Lucas Edelsten said.
“Both towns are absolutely buzzing. All of a sudden everyone gets interested in footy, which is good to see.
“It’s been a long time between drinks but it’s good to finally get there.”
Since joining the competition the Storm have been competitive, missing the finals only once.
Early on Saturday, the Storm were on track to miss again after their opposition kicked five goals to one to open a 25-point lead.
Jeparit Rainbow then chipped away at the margin in the next two quarters before storming home in the final term, kicking six goals to two to claim victory.
“We still had a little belief (at quarter time),” Edelsten said.
“Our coach Matt Everett has been pumping for a while that our best footy is good enough, if we play it, that happens (we win).
“We only played three quarters on the weekend, so it was just enough to get the job done.”
Peter Weir was the standout, kicking eight goals with captain Ashley Clugston kicking two.
Edelsten said the main reason for the breakthrough has been a clean bill of health.
“What usually cooks us are injuries,” he said.
“We roll through the season somewhat easily and get through to the final. Then when we made the preliminary final we had to dig deep into our reserves.
“So injuries are probably the thing we put it down to mainly. It’s our main reason why we haven’t got as far as we have.”
Now the biggest test of the season awaits, Harrow Balmoral in the decider.
The Kangaroos have won all 17 matches this season, including a qualifying final two weeks ago over the Storm.
But Edelsten is confident the team can win when it counts.
“I reckon after the weekend’s win, we’ve got a taste for it now, so hopefully we show up,” he said.
“Our footy is good enough to match it with Harrow.
“We just need no lapses and to let in a couple of easy goals.”
The contest is also expected to be high scoring with Harrow Balmoral scoring 100 points or more in both contests this season against the Storm and Jeparit Rainbow scoring 95 themselves in their round three clash.
“We’ve got the firepower to match it, we’ve just got to click,” Edelsten said.
“We’re looking forward to the contest, that is for sure.
“We’ve earned our right for the big dance, we’ve now got to take it with both hands.”
The game starts at 2.40pm at Quantong Recreation Reserve.
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