By PEPPE CAVALIERI - Division 1 Seniors
SUNSHINE has beaten Spotswood for the first time since 2010 on Saturday, booking a place in Saturday’s blockbuster semi-final against Deer Park.
On a blustery afternoon in Wyndhamvale, the Kangaroos fell behind at quarter time of the qualifying final, and had numerous opportunities in the early parts of the second term to blow the contest open.
While inaccuracies in front of goal built a sense of frustration and uncertainty, Sunshine finally started to convert, taking a 23-point lead into half-time.
But Spotswood never said die, fighting hard to stay in the match after half-time and ensuring Sunshine endured some nervous moments late.
The Roos eventually won by 14 points, securing a semi-final berth and a chance to clinch the first spot in the Grand Final.
Nathan Lyons was outstanding for Sunshine, and Liam Cavanagh repelled numerous attacks by the Woodsmen.
Daniel Castellano kicked three goals and Ben McInneny two for the Roos.
Charles Bettiol, Gareth Newton and Stephen Syme kicked two apiece, and were well lead by Murray Boyd and Sam Davis.
The Woodsmen will now face Hoppers Crossing in a cut-throat semi-final, after the Warriors overcame a gritty Werribee Districts side at Burbank Oval on Sunday.
On a day in which the weather could only be described as vintage Melbourne, low temperatures, rain and wind were the norm in Williamstown.
Hoppers Crossing looked the most likely in what was a tight contest, but Werribee Districts were not to be denied.
The Tigers led by five points at the final change, but were forced to kick into a forever-strengthening breeze in the fourth quarter.
It picked up to such an extent in the final term, their first two kicks forward hoisted upwards and sailed backwards.
The Warriors kicked the first two goals of the final term through Jordan Mead and Brad Olsson, but as the breeze abated somewhat, Mark Pozzuto stormed into goal, giving his Tigers a glimmer of hope.
But a brilliant snap out of a pack by Ashlin Brown put Hoppers Crossing five points clear, and the Warriors held on to win by seven points, to continue their run at premiership redemption.
Jordan Mead kicked a behind after the siren and finished as the only multiple goal-scorer for Hoppers, while Chris Molivas kicked two for the Tigers.
But as gutsy as Werribee Districts was, it must be said that as we enter the second week of finals, the two semis will be contested by the four strongest sides of Division 1.
SIX GOAL QUARTER SEALS VICTORY FOR THE WARRIORS
By CONNOR PAIN - Division 1 Reserves
SIX goals to one in the second quarter helped Hoppers Crossing cruise to a 48-point victory against Sunshine in their Qualifying Final matchup.
Perhaps a by-product of finals nerves, neither side jumped out of the blocks in the first term as the Kangaroos led 9-8 at the first break. The Warriors all but ended the game in the second with their offensive onslaught.
Their six goals were more than Sunshine scored over the course of four quarters, highlighting why they are the reigning back-to-back premiers in the competition.
Todd Caulfield continued his fine season in which he’s kicked at least one major in all but two games by booting four goals, Matthew Turner and Daniel Strnak also contributed two goals each.
Despite the disappointing loss, Sunshine are still in the hunt for the premiership as they have a double chance and will look to bounce back in this week’s first Semi Final.
The 12.6. (78) to 4.6. (30) win means Hoppers Crossing will face Altona in this week’s second Semi Final, with the winner advancing straight to the Grand Final.
Deer Park knocked Werribee Districts out of the finals with a hard fought 8.16. (64) to 4.7. (31) win, setting up a clash with Sunshine with the victor heading through to a Preliminary Final.
The Lions started strongly as they jumped out to a four goal to one opening term, however it was their defence that turned the match in their favour as they held the Districts to just one goal in the opening half.
While neither side could break away, Deer Park’s strong defensive performance never gave Werribee a chance to reduce the margin considerably.
The Lions recorded 16 behinds which kept the final margin from blowing out, but it didn’t hinder their chances as they were rarely troubled in the 33-point win.
Kevin Klix and Jai Granvillani led the way with two majors each while Jye King was voted best-on ground for the Lions.
They’ll need to bring their best defensive effort in the semi-final as Sunshine will be looking to atone for their first up loss.
With the loss, the Werribee Districts season ends on a disappointing note, as they could never quite hit their best form consistently. They finish season 2017 in fifth place.
Last Modified on 28/08/2017 15:40