The end of a 25 year trophy drought
Their down at half time, trailing Leichhardt 12-6. They’re thinking of the grand final they lost last year and how it’s been 25 years since a grand final victory.
Just after the break, club captain Jack Orddy intercepts the ball and darts for the line. This year Balmain will be celebrating.
It’s been a quarter of a century but the under 11s from division two have pulled the Balmain Police Community and Youth Club (PCYC) out of the trophy desert with a 24-12 victory over the Leichhardt Wanderers last month.
Under 11’s Coach, Tony Bignold, said his team were determined to win after their defeat in the final last season.
“After starting well, we were disappointed going into half time 12 – 6 down. As we have all year, the boys did not panic and defended resolutely in the 2nd half and we went on to win 24 – 12.
Captain Jack Orddy said it was all about the attitude.
“We started great, got an early try. Then we got a bit cocky. We went a try down and were losing 12-6 at half time,” he said.
“We knew what it was like to lose the grand final.”
He didn’t want to feel that again. The team went on to score three unanswered tries to win comprehensively.
Jack said of the victory: “Crying with joy you could say . . . we were laughing.”
Club manager Evan Walsh said this is just the start of Balmain PCYC’s return to footy glory.
“Balmain PCYC has been the training ground for so many big names in football,” he said.
Tony said the rare victory will help the club grow.
“The victory allows the club some much needed exposure and the opportunity to expand and place the coppers back in the fold.”
The Balmain PCYC was set up as a not-for-profit organisation in an effort to engage local kids in sporting activities and prevent juvenile crime.
Evan said: “The PCYC is all about getting kids active in life, helping them develop to their full potential as well as focusing preventing and reducing crime by and against young people, and our junior football program is an important part of that.”
