Eastern Blues 15 12 102 def Mid-Cantebury Eagles 3 8 26
A slick Blues outfit were always in control against the rudderless Eagles. They dominated early, kicking six goals to one in the opening quarter. Bowden was winning the centre clearances with ease, no matter who won the ruck contest and sent the Blues into a attack with regular monotony. The Eagles defense was always under the pump and lacked the committment to stand alongside their opponents. The Eagles arrested the bleeding in the second quarter and started to win the loose ball, thanks to Smith, Carden and Kelly. The pattern continued into the third quarter, with the Eagles keeping in touch as they gained confidence in their physical game. The last quater saw the Eagles release the pressure and the Blues took full toll, booting 5-goals in as many minutes to put the result beyond doubt. Davies had the ball on a string and often found himself clear of any opponents. Bradley had a day out, booting 6-big ones and was ably supported by Burgess and Hopkins. The Eagles finish the year without a win, but they were a chance in several games. They will need to hold onto their young talent in 2009 if they are going to improve their win/loss ratio. The Blues sneak into the finals, but with enough momentum to worry any challenger to the reigning premiers.
Gallant Bulldogs count the cost
University Cougars 8 9 57 def Christchurch Bulldogs 6 9 45
This was billed as the toughest contest of the year and expectations were fuilfilled. With a final's birth riding on the result, both sides threw all but the kitchen sink at each other. The Dogs were out to prove they were no longer the ugly step-sister of the Cougars, having broken away from uni boys in 2007. What they lack in skill they make up for in attack on th ball and physical pressure. The classy Cougars weathered the sorm in the first half and took a 24-point lead into the main break. Jamie Day had given them a target up front, while at the other end, the Bulldogs wasted opportunities with poor options going inside -50. The Bulldogs kept up the pressure in the third quarter, but let themselves down by giving away far too many free kicks. A couple of 50-m penalties really hurt and gifted the Cougars some easy goals. Things started to look desperate, but the Doggies dug deep. Players like Keating, Balchin, Balcazar and Zuidema started to win the ball and launched a wave of attacks from defense. Harry started to get his hands on the ball and a couple of late goals kept the Doggies in touch. The Cougars could sense the shift and brought on injured Aaron Harris in a bid to save the game. The last quarter was set up for a thriller with the Dogs trailing by 22-points. They hit the ground running in the last and kicked two early goals to draw inside 2-straight kicks. A steadier by Jamie Day, who kicked a clever snap across his body, gave the Cougars some breathing space, but the ball was spending too much time in the Dog's forward line for comfort. A couple of missed shots on goal found the Dogs wanting and by this stage the Cougars were hanging on by the skin of their teeth. Unlike the week before, which saw the Cougars give up a handsome lead, time ran out for the Bulldogs on this occasion. They had given it their all, but to no avail. 2008 saw the Dogs come of age, not only because of the elder statesmen who wore the red and black, but they unearhted some sensational talent in names like Steele, Coom and Balchin.
Last Modified on 27/10/2008 14:21