Sport

Moama falls to Swans in thrilling youth decider

By Josh Huntly

Jul 23, 2023

On the move: Moama’s Shaleah Cooper chases the footy. Photos: Aydin Payne Photo by Aydin Payne

A gallant Moama threatened to knock Shepparton Swans off the Youth Girls perch in the rematch of last year’s grand final.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

But a Jerrah Carruso-inspired Swans held fast in the face of a thrilling Pies third-quarter challenge at Deakin Reserve on Sunday, saluting back-to-back Northern Country Women’s League flags.

Payton Johnston kicked the first goal of the day for the Swans while Caruso kicked the first of her three goals for the grand final to help the Swans take a narrow lead into quarter-time.

Pressure: Moama’s Grace McMillan hunts the ball. Photo by Aydin Payne

Shaleah Cooper battled hard for Moama early but Caruso and Holly Egan continued to dictate terms for the Swans.

Shepparton went into the half-time break with a 22-point lead and looking at pulling away to their second straight flag.

But an inspired 10-minute burst from Moama broke the game wide open midway through the third quarter.

Both Jemika and Shaleah Cooper alongside league goal-leader Katie Shannon all hit the scoreboard within three minutes to trim the lead back to 12 points.

Shanon scored again early in the final term to make the Pies believe, but Paige McMasters sealer late in the term delivered the Swans the flag once again, winners by 19 points.