CULBURRA will finish the 2014 season as minor premiers after they picked up a convincing 7-nil win over Illaroo on Saturday.
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The Cougars have led the competition all season and are now nine points ahead of the second-placed Manyana on the table and with just two rounds remaining, they cannot be caught.
While it had been apparent they would finish first for a number of weeks, their coach Tony Gauci had been reluctant to call it a done deal, but is pleased it is now official.
“Winning the minor premiership was one of our pre-season goals and I’m very happy that we’ve been able to do that with two rounds still remaining,” he said.
“We had a few drinks to celebrate after the game and it was a very good feeling now that it’s official,” he added.
Culburra missed out on being champions last year before going on to win the grand final, but they now have their sights set on completing the double.
“I think we’re in with a big chance,” Gauci said.
“But it’s all a different game once you get to the semi finals, I coached one year where we finished minor premiers and then got beat 7-nil in the grand final, so you never know,” he added.
Gauci thinks they will face some stiff competition from the likes of Shoalhaven United and Manyana in the finals, but knows they will have to be on their game and stay focused, regardless of who they play.
He paid credit to all 27 players he has used in first grade this season and said they have all played their part and done the job when required.
While their first grade side are the only ones who have wrapped up the minor premiership, there could be more silverware to come for Culburra with their reserve grade, third grade and women’s team all in with a good shot at finishing first.