UPDATE: Collingullie-Wagga has clinched a dramatic 5-point victory over Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong in the Riverina League Grand Final, securing back-to-back premierships in a nail-biting finish. The match, held on July 15, 2023, saw the Demons withstand a fierce comeback from the Lions, who once trailed by as much as 30 points.
The game took a pivotal turn at the 13-minute mark of the final quarter when Aaron Proctor’s third goal put Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong ahead, leaving Collingullie-Wagga in urgent need of a hero. That hero emerged in the form of Sam Stening, who kicked his fifth goal just before time on, reclaiming the lead for the Demons.
With the clock running down, 16-year-old Joe Stone made a critical tackle in the dying seconds, preserving the win as tensions ran high on the field. Demons co-coach Shane Lenon expressed the intense pressure he felt during the closing moments, stating, “My heart was going a million miles an hour… We kicked that goal with two or three minutes to go, and we were under enormous pressure.”
In a match characterized by thrilling moments, the Demons initially dominated, scoring seven goals in the first half and heading into halftime with a 29-point lead. However, the Lions, facing a familiar challenge, struggled with accuracy, managing only 1.10 at the break.
Lenon anticipated a strong response from Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong in the second half. “Both clubs have that winning culture; they know how to come back,” he noted. Indeed, the Lions rallied with three quick goals, narrowing the gap to 10 points at the 11-minute mark of the third quarter.
The contest remained fiercely competitive with the Lions reducing the margin to just a single kick by three-quarter-time. The final quarter featured only two goals, with Proctor giving the Lions a fleeting lead before Stening’s decisive goal sealed the Demons’ triumph.
Stening’s stellar performance earned him the Hutchins Medal for best-on-ground, a fitting accolade for his five-goal effort. Lenon praised the grit and determination of his team, stating, “It was a brilliant win… when you’ve got to scratch and bite and earn everything that comes your way.” He revealed that this victory might even surpass last year’s success, which was a 6-point win.
As the final whistle blew, Collingullie-Wagga’s players celebrated their hard-fought victory, a culmination of nine months of dedication and teamwork. Lenon highlighted the importance of their rigorous preparation, saying, “Footy usually gives you what you deserve, and these blokes deserve everything that comes their way.”
With this victory, Collingullie-Wagga solidifies its place in local football history, leaving fans and players alike eager for what the next season will bring.
