And so it came to this – three replays of UCLA’s first semi-final matches against Newstead for the Reserve Men, A Grade Women and A Grade Men. Two weeks ago each of the matches was won by UCLA (the Reserve Men with only 4 players – a sensational effort), with each of the winning teams going directly into their respective Grand Finals.

UCLA had previously played in 5 Grand Finals, but never with an A Grade team, and never successfully. While the semi-final results were encouraging, everything changes for the Grand Final …

The night began with the Reserve Women’s Grand Final between City Baptist and Sidmouth, with City Baptist prevailing comfortably. Well done ladies – a fine effort from a relatively young team.
This match was followed by the Reserve Men, A Grade Women and A Grade Men.

At the end of the night, people could be excused for wondering whether they had just seen the Lords of the Rings or the Rings of the Lord! With skills verging on Gandalfian, each of UCLA’s teams was coached (thanks Ji) to a victory. On a single memorable night UCLA had won not just its first, but its first three premierships!

On previous form UCLA’s Reserve Men and A Grade Women were regarded as short price favourites, with the A Grade Men closer to even money.

Few would have expected such a close game for the Reserve Men. Throughout the match the score was generally in Newstead’s favour, including a six point lead going into the last quarter. UCLA managed a ten point turnaround in the last quarter to win the club’s first premiership. It is not known what was said by the coach to the players in the half time break, but the words “act and “riot” could probably be rearranged to give a suitable description! A fine display from a great team – and fitting to have a life member playing.

A Grade Reserve Men's Premiers 2007

The A Grade Women’s match – with another life member on court – went more according to the form book, giving the club’s somewhat hoarse supporters an easier time. A great result for a team that has spent some years without a lot of on court success. Also a game played under tragic emotional circumstances for one of our players – I am in awe of your strength and courage, and the club’s thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. A second premiership.

A Grade Women's Premiers 2007

The night (and season) concluded with the A Grade Men’s grand final. This was always going to be a tough match. The ascendancy was usually with Newstead, who played their usual disciplined game. At three quarter time UCLA was at the mercy of Newstead’s 8 point lead. With one minute to go UCLA trailed by 1 point. In the last 60 seconds of the game UCLA scored twice to hold a 2 point lead, and a 3 point shot (onya Youdy!) increased the lead with around twenty seconds left in the game. The game concluded with one of Robbie’s trademark slam dunks in the dying seconds. Three from three!

A Grade Men's Premiers 2007

In addition to the above, the club also featured in the association’s MVP top ten for each of the divisions. Jade picked up 6th for the Reserve Women; 2nd, 3rd and 5th in the Reserve Men were earned by Shea, Sam and Michael, and the A Grade Women’s rankings had Erin and Gin, and also Louise and Zoe – who picked up 3rd and 2nd respectively. Craig gained 10th place in the A Grade Men’s rankings, with Robbie being chosen as the association’s MVP in that division. Great representation from the club.