THE North Queensland Stingers over-50s have fallen just short of capping their maiden appearance at the AFL National Masters Carnival with a division win after losing to South Australia at Cazalys.
Yesterday’s clash was essentially a grand final with both the Stingers and South Australia undefeated heading into the game.
Unfortunately for the North Queenslanders, it was South Australia who continued its unbeaten streak.
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The southerners were not as troubled by the early morning heat with accuracy in front of the sticks their biggest concern.
South Australia had 10 more scoring shots than the Stingers in the opening two quarters but only led by 15 points at the major break.
A quick goal after the restart moved the Stingers to within sight of the lead but two majors late in the term restored South Australia’s buffer.
The Stingers did not surrender in the last quarter but their courage was no match for the class of the South Australians, who won 8.7 (55) to 4.0 (24).
Stingers thrive on blood, sweat, beers
One of his side’s best throughout the carnival, Stingers captain Peter Brosnan said South Australia handled the conditions better.
"They just chipped it around and made us run too much," he said. "We just didn’t go with them. I think we were a bit underdone.
"Still, it was a sensational effort from the boys.
"South Australia play in a league every two weeks over the footy season and we play about twice a year and a lot of us haven’t played together.
"It’s full credit to our blokes."
This year’s national masters tournament was the first time North Queensland was represented at the carnival.
Stingers player-coach Gary Hill hopes it is not the last.
"I spoke to a lot of the guys and they’re willing to keep it going," Hill said.
"I said to the boys I don’t want this to die and I don’t want North Queensland to die."
In other Stingers results yesterday, the over-40s were unlucky to go down to Vic Country 4.4 (28) to 3.7 (25), while the over-45s lost heavily to New South Wales 10.11 (71) to 1.3 (9).
