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Seniors stumble in trophy chase

28 July 2003 - Western suburbs Gaelic football club Shamrocks missed the chance to claim their second senior trophy of the season by losing to Sarsfields in the GAA Trophy final at Willawong over the weekend.

After winning the Brisbane Shield earlier in the season, Shamrocks had hoped to claim the GAA Trophy for the first time, but Sarsfields prevailed by just two points 1-4-7 to 1-6-9 to also retain their unbeaten League record.

It was the first senior title in 12 years for Sarsfields, and their first ever win of the GAA Trophy.

Shamrocks won plenty of possession, but kicked 10 wides in the first half and conceded a disputed late goal that extended the half time deficit to four points 0-2 to 1-3.

In the second half, Sarsfields continued to contest gamely as Shamrocks closed the margin. But forward Shane Gormley was twice taken down in scoring positions, and Dave O�Malley received his second yellow card of the match as time expired with Sarsfields two points the better.

John Collins, Gormley and David Flannery (pictured) were best for Shamrocks, while David Bree scored the goal that created a thrilling finish, and Paul Rice two points.

Sarsfields and Shamrocks entered the match as first and second in the League. The result leaves Sarsfields certain of winning the League title, which is its first in 13 years.

Sarsfields have now won five of their last six matches against Shamrocks, although close encounters dominate with six of the last 13 games decided by two points or less.

In the ladies match, Shamrocks defeated Sarsfields for the third time this year, winning 3-8-17 to 1-4-7, best players being Lisa at half forward, Tammy Wawrzyniuak and Hannah Humphrys in defence.

In the ladies league, Harps need just one more win to clinch their fourth consecutive league title.

In the reserves competition where Easts and Harps are vying for the league title, Shamrocks recorded a win over John Mitchels. Matt Scandrett scored a goal.

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Previous title winners

Ready for another final

21 July 2003 - Shamrocks prepared for the upcoming GAA Trophy senior final with a huge win over recent powers John Mitchels over the weekend.

John Mitchels, undefeated throughout 2002, suffered its eighth loss of the season by going down to Shamrocks 5-13-28 to 0-4-4.

Shamrocks led 4-7 to 0-1 at half time.

This was the Shamrocks� third win in four encounters against John Mitchels, and came thanks to outstanding performances by David Bree, Shane Gormley and Matt Walsh.

Bree kicked 2-7 to record the highest individual senior score of the season so far.

Shamrocks now play Sarsfields for the GAA Trophy next week, after their place was assured thanks to Sarsfields beating Souths last week.

In the reserves match last week, Leigh Kemp, Gavin Gould and Brendan Scandrett were best for Shamrocks in a loss to Souths.

Sarsfields win battle of league leaders

7 July 2003 - Sarsfields beat Shamrocks to remain undefeated in the senior mens Queensland Gaelic Football League at Willawong over the weekend.

After dominating the opening stanza to lead 1-10 to 0-1, Sarsfields withstood a second half regrouping by the western suburbs team to win 2-13-19 to 2-2-8.

The battle of the league leaders was virtually decided in the opening few minutes as Sarsfields, which has not won a senior title in twelve years, stormed to a commanding lead against the recently crowned Brisbane Shield champions.

In this photograph, Brendan Scandrett is tackled to the ground against Sarsfields during the opening half.

Shamrocks, with good play from Joe O'Neill, Brad Kennedy and Brendan Scandrett, then turned the second half into an arm wrestle as both teams went scoreless in the opening 15 minutes.

Travis Bassett led the scoring for Shamrocks with 1-1.

Sarsfields have now gone eight games without defeat, and have beaten Shamrocks in four of their last five encounters.

Shamrocks must now wait on a result next week to see if they will face Sarsfields in the GAA Trophy final next month.

In the ladies match (pictured), the young Shamrocks team gave the Brisbane Shield champion O�Reillys a first-half scare, before being overrun in the second.

Best for Shamrocks were Kylie Barlets in goals, midfielder Yvette Philips, and centre half forward Bronwyn Bassett.

In the mens reserves game, Mick Joyce, debutant Gavin Gould and Don McMillan, were best for Shamrocks as they went down to John Mitchels.

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