IT will be a case of ‘first versus second’ in the GRFC Men’s Division One Grand Final this coming weekend, after both Geelong Rangers and Surfside Waves managed to overcome their respective semi-final opponents last Sunday.

PHOTO: Veteran striker Troy Hardy (dark blue) in action for Rangers against Drsydale SC. For the second successive week he scored a goal against the team from the Bellarine Peninsula (photo: Karen van der Chys)

Minor premiers Rangers easily accounted for a gallant Drysdale SC running out convincing 3-1 winners at Myers Reserve on Sunday.

Evergreen sharpshooter Troy Hardy netted a single, as did another prolific scorer Ben Noble and Joao Ramos completed the rout, which sees the Dark Blues advance through to the Division One season finale against the Surfside Waves.

The Waves hosted Barwon at Shell Road Reserve on Sunday, after having faced each other the week before.

The semi-final encounter started with plenty of gusto as each team battled to keep possession and get a hold of the game. Barwon pressed forward in the opening stages, but was undone on the counter after a superb goal kick from Roscoe Holmes found Jack Pedler, who tucked it past the hapless Barwon keeper.

The Waves doubled their lead soon afterwards, when Stuart Mandley was hauled down in the box. Pedler stepped up and coolly converted the penalty to score his second for the afternoon.

The Waves were reduced to 10 men after just 25 minutes, leaving them with an incredibly tough task to maintain their lead for the remaining 65 minutes.

As it was, Barwon pushed extremely hard in the second half but the Grovedale outfit just couldn’t break down a stubborn and commuted Waves outfit.

The visitors pulled one back in the dying stages through Ian Nichols, but were unable to send the game into extra time.

As the final whistle was blown at Shell Road, the Waves men celebrated with the knowledge they had followed in their Womens team’s footsteps and had also qualified for this year’s Grand Final.

The season decider between the Rangers and Surfside will be staged at Stead Park on Sunday with kick off scheduled for 3:10pm.

DIVISION TWO:

Bellarine Sharks and Lara SC will meet in the Division Two Grand Final after causing major upsets in the semi finals and knocking out the top two placed teams, Barwon Heads and Surf Coast FC respectively.

The Bellarine Sharks defeated the minor premiers Barwon Heads 4-2 at the Barwon Heads Village Park, while Lara SC caused a major boilover at Banyul Warri Reserve to run out 2-0 victors in their clash with Surf Coast FC.

Sunday’s Grand Final showdown between Lara and Bellarine will be held on Pitch 1 at Stead Park, with kick off set down for 12:30pm.

DIVISION THREE:

Minor premiers Corio Bay Blue easily accounted for Surfside Waves White, running out comfortable 4-0 winners in their Division Three semi final clash at Howard Glover Reserve on Sunday.

It was the other semi final clash at Stead Park, however, that witnessed a major upset as second placed Geelong SC lost to third placed Deakin Ducks Green in a penalty shootout, following a 0-0 draw after extra time.

The Division Three Grand Final will now be contested between the Ducks’ Green team and Corio Bay Blue on Pitch 2 at Stead Park on Sunday, with kick off set down for 1:10pm.