THE TEAM OF THE RED AND THE BLUE: Benalla and District Junior Football League 2011 premiers – the Demons (from back, left) Paul Christopher (runner), Lloyd Parks, Liam Edward, Scott Markwick; (middle) Denver Richter, Daniel Stow, Ben Kelleher, Angus Appleby, Rohan Fabris, James Cousins, Lachie Christopher, Donald Ritchie, Jesse Slater, Jesse Rickard, Aaron Scale, Mark Fabris (coach), Greg Cameron (assistant coach); (front) Callum Griffiths, Patrick Marks, Lucas Veneman, Fraser Cameron, Paul Griffin, Sam Shipley, James Stewart and Jordan Service.

Boys display inspirational efforts and spirit in local teams’ grand final

MANSFIELD’S two A Reserve teams the Demons and the Eagles, fought out the grand final while making history at the Benalla Showgrounds recently.

This was the first instance that two Mansfield sides played off, leaving the Benalla teams out of the Benalla & District Junior Football League grand final.

The Demons led for the entire match, displaying a desire for the footy and the flag from the first bounce.

Best on ground for the Demons was Donald Ritchie whose work in the centre ensured the safe delivery of the ball to the goals where Markwick, Cousins, Marks, Rickard and Scale ensured his hard work paid off by kicking goals.

Best players for the Demons were Ritchie, Cousins, Christopher, Griffin and Shipley.

Dan Stowe was doubtful to play up until the morning of the game and showed real courage and determination to even play – let alone play at the terrific standard he did.

Although there were some great displays of skills witnessed by Wizz Howes, Dan Allen and Nathan Purcell the Eagles just didn’t have what it took this year.

Charlie Comben pulled out everything he had to assist the Eagles to get closer to the Demons, playing a game of continued determination and displaying the high level of skills we have come to expect from him.

Although not winning the grand final he took home a very well deserved best on ground for his team.

In his speech to both teams after the game Demons coach Mark Fabris congratulated both teams on the camaradarie, respect and great spirit in which the game was played.

The hand shaking and back slapping between the boys was wonderful to witness.

"This is a win for Mansfield, for all of you, not just the Demons," he said.

Final scores were Demons 10.11 (71) to Eagles 4.11 (35).