After commencing the Secondary Schools Sports SA Open Girls knockout competition with 33 teams earlier this year, it came down to a battle royal between Henley and Blackwood High Schools last Saturday evening at AAMI Stadium to decide the 2007 champions.

With a capacity crowd expected to filter through the gates to witness  Mark Riccuto’s return to the Adelaide Crows outfit, the atmosphere surrounding the curtain raiser was certainly befitting a title decider – and the game didn’t disappoint either!

With an all female umpiring panel assigned to compliment the prestigious encounter, the game provided a fantastic advertisement for the increasing involvement of young girls and women in Australian Football - and the opportunities which are continually being created for them. The promotion was further boosted by the presence of Jess Openshaw, who was selected in the All-Australian side following her performances during the Australian Women’s Football Championships in Canberra conducting the toss.

Following on from her Grand Final appointment at the recent State U15 Country Grand Final, Stephanie Morrison was charged with the field umpire duties for what proved to be a rather willing affair, with Megan Schutt and Meike Boerema patrolling the ground’s perimeter, whilst Rachel Fisk and Kristen Wright coordinated the calico salutes.

Following four hard quarters, Blackwood High School proved victorious , 4-8 (32) to Henley’s 2-5 (15), with the inaugural Marg Anderson Medal for best on ground honours going to Blackwood High School’s, Lauren Chilvers.

For further information on Girls Youth Football, please contact Bridget Grant at the SANFL on 8424 2209, or for all your umpiring enquiries, call SANFL Umpiring Development Manager, Don Cooper on 8424 2268.