Ironbank-Cherry Gardens won their second premiership in three years in the Hills Football League (HFL) Country Division following a come-from-behind 39-point win over Birdwood at Kersbrook Oval on Saturday. The Thunderers had gone through the season undefeated but things looked a bit grim at halftime as Birdwood held a 20 point lead and had all the momentum heading into the second half after kicking six goals to four in the second term. The Roosters had been a real surprise packet of the 2020 season and it appeared they were on the verge of a huge upset. The third quarter proved crucial in the outcome of the match as Ironbank-Cherry Gardens piled on the pressure to kick 4.6 to no score and take a 10-point lead into the final term. Birdwood were still in the game but the Thunderers were on a roll and couldn’t be contained as they piled on five goals to one in the final term to win 14.18 (102) to 9.9 (63). Lachlan Keeley played his best game of the season to be best on ground for the Thunderers and he was well supported by Josh Rosman, Todd Pfeiffer, Jeremy Johncock and Levi Grigg. Jack Ince, Jed Russell, Scott Sullivan, Steven Peter and Christian Elliott were best for the Roosters. Ironbank-Cherry Gardens had many avenues to goal with Josh Vandermeer and Grigg kicking three goals each. Vandermeer completed an excellent first season in the HFL with 51 goals from just 10 games. Elliott kicked three goals for the Roosters giving him 34 for the season. 

In other grades, Bridgewater-Callington won their third ‘B’ grade premiership in four years with a 35-point win over Birdwood, Meadows junior colts won back-to-back flags after defeating Ironbank-Cherry Gardens by 16 points while Birdwood won the mini colts grand final by 11 points against Mount Barker.

So the 2020 season has been completed under what can only be described as unusual and difficult conditions. To manage eight games plus finals was as much as anyone could’ve asked for and great credit should be given to all clubs and their tireless volunteers for making it happen.