By Tara Murray
Gisborne has had a season beyond expectations in the FFV Sportsmart Boy’s 16B competition.
The Sky Blues claimed the north-west title, winning 12 of their 16 matches and finishing four points clear on top of the ladder.
The Sky Blues then lined up against the title winners of the east and south divisions, Monash City and Beaumaris, in a round robin finals series.
The Sky Blues managed a win in the third game of the series, against Beaumaris, to claim second place in their division in the state.
Sky Blues team manager Mel Paradiso said they were pretty stoked by the result and didn’t think any junior side at the club had gone that far before.
Gisborne senior player Tyson Lopez coached the side and was assisted by Quinlan Borg.
“It was a bit of a rocky start until they got their feet,” Lopez said.
“They finished the season with 12 wins, a draw and three losses and ended up winning their division.
“They did really well with a few injuries during the year.
“It took them a while to get there and they’re pretty happy at the moment.”
The second place finish caps off a good season for the Sky Blues, with their men’s side finishing second in FFV state league 5 west and earning promotion.
Paradiso said there was a good vibe around the club following all the results.
The 16B boys team is likely to move into the 16A competition next season.
Paradiso said many of the boys will step up a level next year.
