IT was the best possible start to grand final day on Saturday, as Penshurst held off Lismore-Derrinallum, 25-18, to win the MDNA 13-and-Under decider at Glenthompson.

It was a tight contest in the first quarter, as both teams enjoyed periods of momentum with the red and black going into the first change leading, 7-6.

An eight-goal second quarter saw the Bombers edge clear on the scoreboard, keeping the Demons to four goals to lead by five at the main break.

A six goals to three third term sealed the result for Penshurst, as the team lost the final quarter by one but still won the game by seven goals at the final whistle.

Penshurst’s centre, Misha Wear, was named best on court in the win.

Bombers coach, Jemma Casey said

“I am very proud of them, they came out just wanting to win,” she said.

“They all put their best efforts, I told them they didn’t need to do anything special and just to play their role.”

Casey said the scoreboard pressure the team put on early in the game helped settle the emotions of the team.

“At half time we were up by about eight, so that calmed the nerves a bit, then we led by I think 10 at the last break,” she said.

“It was a bit of a relief, they get really nervous, so that helped.”

Having the best on court player also helped, with Wear only joining the team in round five.

It was Casey’s first premiership success as coach after last year’s season ended prematurely.

“I coached 15-and-Under last year but we didn’t get to play finals, so this was my first time coaching in finals,” she said.