Southern Districts first grade rugby union team’s dream of winning their maiden Sydney premiership was shattered when they were defeated 33-13 by Eastwood at Concord Oval, Saturday.
In 2012, Southern Districts were beaten, 15-14 by Sydney University, at Concord Oval.
Today's loss mean the first grade team has lost two grand finals, in 2012, and now in 2014; so close, yet so far, from the the dream of winning the historic premiership.
A crowd of more than 5000 turned out to watch the Shute Shield decider with Eastwood too strong.
The Rebels led 6-0 early in the match with two penalty goals to five-eighth Ben Volavola.
The Narwee five-eighth was accurate with both his kicks to give the Rebels the lead against grand final favourites Eastwood.
But Eastwood took control of the game and led 13-6 at halftime.
In the second half, Eastwood raced to a 23-6 lead and although the Rebels tried hard, they were outplayed on the day.
Volavola, who scored all his team’s points, scored a try which he converted to narrow the gap, midway through the second half, reducing the leeway to 23-13.
Southern Districts formed in 1988, as a result of two clubs, St George and Port Hacking coming together.
Rebels lock and captain Jed Holloway said the team fought hard.
He said it was a tremendous effort by the team to reach the grand final.
The Rebels are coached by Matt Barr, of Gymea.
‘‘Our boys put in a tremendous effort to make the grand final,’’ Holloway said.
He said the boys will lift their spirits after the disappointment of the loss and the club is holding a post grand final function at Southern Districts Rugby Union Club, tonight, for the players, officials and supporters at their home ground, Forshaw Park.
Southern Districts had plenty of supporters at the game who were cheering, singing and urging on their team in the grand final.
The club's general manager Craig Hawkins said a season review would begin on Wednesday.
Hawkins said the Rebels were ‘‘still a very young side’’.
‘‘We only had five players in the grand final who played in the grand final two years ago,’’ he said.
First year coach Matt Barr of Gymea received the Coach of the Year Award, voted by the 12 first grade coaches in the NSW Rugby Shute Shield.
Hawkins said it was a fitting award for Barr, who had the respect of the players for his coaching ability.
Eastwood 33 defeated Southern Districts 13 (Ben Volavola one try, two penalty goals and one conversion). Venue: Concord Oval.
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