DEMONS DELIGHT
In the cold conditions of Manuka Oval the Tri-colours took on the Eastlake Demons who were celebrating the reunion of their 1978 grand final win and were full of confidence after their big win over Queanbeyan to ensure they would play in this years finals.
The Ainslie boys got off to a flyer with captain Billy Neely kicking a great goal early but Eastlake were looking determined and committed as they continually threw their boys into the fray and with ex-Ainslie big man Stafford Cooper providing a target they led at the first change by 10 points.
The second quarter saw Eastlake kicking with the aid of the breeze and they were now playing all over a sluggish and error ridden Ainslie. The Tri–colours effort could not be faulted but nothing was going right and at half time the Demons led by 22 points.
The premiership quarter saw Eastlake kick a further 2 goals to have their lead out to 6 goals and the game looked well and truly over. But as they have done all year and led by captain Neely, vice captain Bourke and fellow on baller Lewis Ainslie kicked the next 5 goals only to see Eastlake kick a late goal to remain 14 points clear at the last change. The last quarter was a thriller with both sides going goal for goal with Ainslie dominating the centre clearance. Harris and fellow defender Ghobrial were now forwards that provided options. The game came down to the wire and when the siren went the Tri–colours were 2 points in arrears
Good players for the day were leaders Neely and Bourke, on baller Lewis (4 goals), youngsters Touhey and Harris, as well as the Mathis brothers.
Scores
First Grade
Eastlake 15.9-99 def Ainslie 15.7-97
Goal-kickers: R. Lewis 4, M. Crook 2, M. Lawless 2, R. Tuohey 2, B. Hughes, M. Ghobrial, W. Neely, C. Mathis, A. Harris.
Best Players: W. Neely, R. Lewis, A. Bourke, A. Harris, C. Mathis, R. Tuohey.
Second Grade
Eastlake 19.10-124 def Ainslie 5.7-37
Goal-kickers: P. Neiberding 2, A. Macias, M. Ablett, G. Erickson.
Best Players: G. Robertson, D. Alsford, A. Macias, S. Grozinger, B. Sheehan, D. Nolen.
U18
Ainslie 13.6-84 def Eastlake 8.8-56
Goal-kickers: J. Griffin 7, J. Tutt, J. Hirst, A. Franklin, C. Baxter, R. Dart, S. Gray.
Best Players: J. Hirst, J. Griffin, B. Matthews, M. Vickers, L. Highfield, J. James
Last Modified on 18/08/2008 18:54