In a very even game, possession and territory went end to end for a full twenty minutes before good lead up work from the team got the ball to Blake Wilder in the Collegians quarter.

Wilder then made a perfect cross to Ben Noakes who headed the ball into the goal, giving Young the early lead.

Again, play went end to end with neither team able to pressure the opposition goal until Collegians managed the equalizer two minutes before half time.

The break was a boon for Young who were carrying injuries including bruised ribs and a hernia and fielding no reserves on the day.

The second half was again an even affair with the majority of play in the middle of the field until Collegians got the break with 20 minutes to go going 2-1 up.

Young fought back hard, now with ten players due to injury, still gaining the upper hand in possession and territory and pressuring the Collegians’ goal several times.

They were however unable to score the equalizer as the clock ran down, finishing second on the day.

Lions Coach Dominic Kier said the boys put in a supreme effort.

“It was by far the best game we played this season and a very even contest,” Kier said.

“Collegians were the best team all year and proved it on the day, but we’ve come away very happy with how we played.”

“In all it was a fantastic first season in the new competition with all teams making the semis and the guys first grade putting in a great performance in the grand final.”