In a watershed moment for Camden Haven High School, their Under 15 Boys AFL team has advanced in the State-wide AFL Knockout, beating Byron Bay High School in the North Coast Final.
The victory puts Camden Haven into the top eight teams in the State.
Camden Haven High won in boggy conditions at Port Macquarie’s Stuarts Park last Thursday (July 21) to win 3.4 (22) to 2.0 (12).
The wet and slippery conditions also included a strong northerly breeze which limited pointscoring but it was the Havens who won the body contests and kicked straight with their limited opportunities.
Darren Mearrick is the coach of the Camden Haven High School team which has been together for a few years now and he was elated at the result.
“I remember being delighted after our win at Coffs recently and thought it couldn’t get any better but what the boys did today really puts AFL on the high school map,” Mr Mearrick said.
“This result is a credit to the boys and now they get another chance to see where this fairytale run may take them.”
Mr Mearrick and his assistant coach Sami Dunk, have stepped up this year’s preparation and added some training sessions to further hone their talents.
North Coast AFL Board Member, Gordon Wiegold, says this could have great repercussions for AFL in the entire district.
“Mr Mearrick has put a lot of time and effort into these boys and he has been proactive arranging buses, co-ordinating parents and umpires, and even getting funding to buy a new set of jumpers so the team could proudly wear the school colours on the field,” Mr Wiegold said.
“There is a sprinkling of AFL experience throughout the team but, because they have spent a few years together now, the players have learnt that going for the footy is the best way to hurt your opponents and their discipline and fitness are scaling new heights.
“It would be great to see some of these boys in Camden Haven Bombers colours in Under 16s next year and if the Camden Haven is ever to get an Under 18s side, I would think a lot of the talent that Mr Mearrick has fostered here could play a pivotal role for the club.”
Camden Haven had control of the game for the most part but Byron Bay High finished strongly into the breeze and were attacking as the final siren went.
Andrew Stokes and Ari Vanderant played brilliantly at the back, repelling raid after attacking raid. Up front Darby Bennett made a welcome return and was a thorn in the side of the taller Byron players.
But it was through the centre and half-back line that all the Camden Haven High momentum sprang from, with Luke O’Neill once again dominant and ably assisted through the centre by Conor Haswell and Tyson Wiegold.
Bayd Latham’s development has been critical to the team’s success but it was ruckman Garrett Baker that stood out as Best on Ground, not only doing great tap rucking, but also being an option and link man through the centre of the field.
Kane Hedges and Gresham Hodges also added class, while Peter Prendergast kicked a goal and continually threatened up forward.
The next round of the competition is yet to be decided but it is likely that Camden Haven High will now travel to the Hunter to take on a Newcastle zoned school for the right to advance in the competition.
Camden Haven High Goalkickers: 1 each to Luke O’Neill, Peter Prendergast and Tallis Latham.
