Fallon’s coach full of praise

The Albury school met Finley in the NSW Combined High School championship grand final under lights at Narrandera last Wednesday but found its star-studded opponents too strong.

Finley, boasting several state representatives, won 13.7 (85) to 5.3 (33), giving the school its 17th Swan Shield in the carnival’s 23-year history.

Meanwhile, it was the first time James Fallon High School had made the Swan Shield grand final since the 1980s, an achievement coach David Turner said his side should be proud of.

“I’ll praise my boys left, right and centre for their skill level and ability they absolutely did their best,” Turner said.

“We were outclassed at the end of the day ... Finley had something like seven or eight state players so that goes to show the quality of football.

“But I said to the boys at one stage ‘it’s all about character’ — they could fight it out or they can lie down — and in the end our last quarter was our best.

“We beat some good schools to get there and they should be very proud of their efforts.”

James Fallon progressed to the finals carnival at Narrandera by winning all of their pool matches against Albury High School, Murray High School and St Paul’s College.

They met Sydney school Hills Sports High School in a semi-final at Narrandera last Tuesday which the Border school won 10.6 (66) to 4.4 (28) to progress to the grand final.

Rising star Lonnie Hampton was named James Fallon’s best player for the carnival.

“Lone was our outstanding player ... he’s on track for the AFL,” Turner said.

James Fallon had no shortage of big bodies with ruckmen Layne Heinjus and Joel Docker both in fine form.

At their feet was Aaron Bauerle and Josh Baggio who were strong at the stoppages, while centre-half back Brodie Smith stood tall throughout.

“Our defence was our strength and Brodie was the one who did a lot of directing and kept it all together,” Turner said.