East Armidale finished last year’s Northern Inland Premier League in strong form and, with less than three weeks until they start this year’s campaign, have started in style at the Nambucca Challenge.
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In Pool C, Easts finished in second spot and progressed into the minor semi-finals for a shot at the second tier title.
“We had four games on the Saturday and we won three, the only team we lost to was West Pymble but it was just so hot, the boys were knackered,” coach Mark Gwynne said.
“When we came back and played on the Sunday we had to play Port Macquarie, who actually drew 1-all with Coffs Harbour, they won the major semi and we beat them to get into the minor grand final.”
They took on Kempsey for the minor decider and, after Easts missed an early penalty opportunity, the scores were locked at the full-time siren and the game went into a penalty shootout.
New recruit Adam See was on fire in the goals to help his side win the shootout 3-2.
“Adam See virtually won us the shootout, he saved three crackers of penalties,” Gwynne said.
“The boys really played well. Brent Pedlow was good, Adam Lennon, they all played well.”
Gwynne said the tournament played a huge part in building up fitness for their season opener on April 7 against last year’s runners up Oxley Vale Attunga.
“We played six games in two days so our fitness level will climb through the roof now,” he said.
“We are just looking forward to the season. We have been training for five weeks so it is looking good.”