By: Ben SHEARS

FOLLOWING the last round of the GRFC Men’s Division 1 Finals’ Play-off series for Pool B, the Grand Final combatants have been decided - Deakin Ducks Gold will face off against Geelong Rangers on Sunday September 11.

PHOTO: An action shot from the Rangers v Breakwater clash at Myers Reserve last Sunday (Photo: Karen Van der Chys, K-Van Photography)

Minor premiers Deakin Ducks hosted Surf Coast last Friday night and recorded a convincing 5-0 win. Within the opening 20 minutes, Christopher De Hoog hammered away a brace into the back of the net to put the Ducks ahead while Shannon Kearns, Ipyana Killimbe and Mark Hambrook all contributed with singles apiece.

A similar result decided 2^nd place with Geelong Rangers easily overcoming Breakwater Eagles 5-0 at Myers Reserve. Breakwater and the Rangers had a play-off to see who would enter the Grand Final after they were both tied on 9 points prior to the game.

Ben Noble, who has scored the most goals in the Pool A finals’ series, netted another two goals to stay on top of the Golden Boot chart. His teammate Drew Corry also netted a brace, while Dale Harris scored a single to deliver the final blow to Breakwater’s chances of qualifying for the big match.

The remaining two Pool A teams, Barwon and Surfside Waves, battled out to see who would have to finish bottom of the ladder. At Grovedale Reserve, Barwon Red took down the visitors Surfside Waves 1-0. The struggle for Barwon to get a win ended when Ian Nichols netted the first and only goal for the game.

After the completion of the Finals Series the ladder stands as follows: Deakin Ducks Gold in top spot, followed by Rangers in second, Breakwater third, SurfCoast fourth, Barwon Red in second last place and Surfside Waves the wooden spooners.

The Grand Final between Deakin Ducks Gold and Geelong Rangers will be played on Sunday the 11^th of September at Shell Road Reserve with a twilight kick-off set down for 5:30pm.