The Grand Final for the 2008 Under 7's Oz Tag was full of everything. Four of the victorious Coogee Dolphins Under 6's Rugby League team were joined by newcomers Geordan Lirantzis and James Best to make what was to become an unbeatable Oz Tag ensemble of talent. Each week these dolphins played two players short. Our guys had to meet the oppositions fresh new legs entering the field every 4-5 minutes with their pure guts and determination. These inspirational group of boys were never deterred and were supported by their coach, Dane Neville, who once again never panicked, always identifying and fixing the weaknesses and working on our strengths. Whilst mothers yelled like a pack of hyenas on the side line the boys on the field remained calm and focussed.

The Grand Final though - we really thought we'd met our match. With a bunch of big and fast Wombats who could kick to the other end of the field, the sideline supporters thought this was it. Thankfully that feeling didn't transfer to the boys on the field. Down by two at half time with just one man down this week (big thanks to our savior Calvin for filling in on the big day) we really thought we were looking at our first loss. But wise coaches words of "just hold on to the ball and you'll win this match" seemed to be all it took. So whilst the Wombats may have come undone with knock ons and offsides - we were flawless.

We had the pocket rocket Ky Baldwin run straight through them for a couple of tries, the always dependable Sam Koford, who can out run whatever they want to throw at him for another few, Hugo Savala and James Best also scoring to cement the win by two, to take the game 9-7. We cannot put pen to paper without reporting on the unbelievable development of Luke Hennesy. One of the youngest on the field his speed and precision for tagging just grew better every week and we always knew if he got close enough then the tag was as good as in his hands. Diving through the air for the tag was never a problem. He was instrumental in holding the Wombats to only 1 try in the second half. Look out for him this year on the rugby league field.

You would never have known Geordan and James were new to the game. Tagging and scoring trys like they had been doing this for seasons. But sorry Dolphins - it seems Rugby Union gets this great talent for 2008 (not for lack of trying)

We have to give two awards for the Grand Final

1.Best effort for listening to a referee and funniest play of the day - Hugo Savala was not going to be penalised for palming or defending his tag ever again so had the ball tucked up in one arm and the other arm in the air. Looking like a robot and about a third of his usual pace we couldn't believe when he got around the pack and across the line. Whilst  the sideline were on the floor laughing he just went about his business like it was a normal try. And diving for all those tags was the closest he could get to rugby league which he just can't wait to start. "Oz Tag is for softies"

2. We all know that Sam Koford is an extraordinary league and oz tag player but talk about never giving up. As 'the one man backline' if their players broke our line,  then it was up to him and only him to ensure they didn't get a try. This meant numerous saves right on the tryline and often running from one side of the field to the other. At one stage I thought his legs were going to go on strike but they kept going to the final whistle and truly saved the day on more than one occasion.

But this was no one or two man match. Every single player was an integral part of the team and as a joint force proved unbeatable on the day. All we can say is "Bring on the 2008 Rugby League Season - we're ready"