HAWKESBURY and Richmond high schools both fielded teams in the MG Cup grand finals on Friday, July 22, though neither team was able to emerge victorious.
Hawkesbury played Chifley in the 16s grand final and Richmond played Loyola in the open age grand final at Pepper Stadium.
Richmond coach Dave Harkins said Friday's game was close, and the result could easily have finished in Richmond’s favour.
“We had one disallowed try and they had a couple go their way, so it was anyone’s game,” he said.
“Loyola was mercy ruling teams throughout the competition, and they beat us pretty convincingly the first time around.
“We beat all the other teams but just couldn’t beat them.”
Harkins said the majority of his team played league locally.
"They love footy and put their hand up for any game they have a chance to play,” he said.
Hawkesbury coach Aaron Leggatt said his team was dwarfed by the size of Chifley’s team.
“Our team showed a lot of character, but we had to defend so much int he first half it really took it out of us,” he said.
Leggatt said the number of players in the team swelled over the season, and the team was well supported on Friday.
“We had two busloads of student supporters come down to support the school,” he said.
Leggatt said Lewis Mallia did a fantastic job filling in as captain after Jarrod Xerri was hurt in the third game.
He added that brothers Couper and Wyatt Zemars played well, with Couper, 14, playing up two age groups.
Harkins said Ethan Christian, Trevor Graham and Cameron Qwok were fantastic for his team.
