Community Clubs September 7

A host of our boys lined up in finals once again this past weekend, with many getting the job done to progress in their respective leagues and divisions finals series. 

In the Eastern Football Netball League Premier Division Seniors, Mitchell Sruk, Jake Arundel and Lachlan Wynd were back in action as a trio with Rowville. The Rowville Hawks took on Noble Park in the Semi Final, finishing 36 points clear, 15.6 (96) to 8.12 (60) – Booking themselves a spot in the Grand Final in two weeks’ time. 

The Hawks led from the games inception, maintaining a steady lead throughout. At quarter time they led by 26, 30 at the half and 33 at three-quarter time. Wynd and Arundell both impacted on the scoreboard, with Wynd putting through three majors and Arundell slotting one. Wynd was also named third best afield for the Hawks in the Semi Final outing. 

Rowville now have another week off, awaiting the result of the Preliminary Final between South Croydon and Noble Park, to see who they’ll face in the last, and biggest game of the season. 

Cayden Maki and Mooroolbark were victorious over Mitcham in their Preliminary Final clash in the EFNL First Division Seniors. The Mustangs secured a 27-point victory, 13.12 (90) to 9.9 (63) to secure a place in the Grand Final this coming weekend. 

Just a few points separated the two teams at quarter and halt time’s with Mooroolbark with the lower score each time, but they turned it around in the second half to take a 26-point lead into three-quarter time and eventually run out winners. 

Maki and Mooroolbark will face off with East Ringwood and Sahaf Ali in the ENFL First Division Seniors Grand Final this Saturday, 2.15pm at Tormore Reserve, Boronia. 

In the EFNL Premier Division Reserves Semi Finals, Jimmy O’Connor and Harry Banfield managed the win with Vermont, 7.10 (52) to 3.7 (25) over Park Orchards. 

It was all tied up a 8 points apiece at quarter time, but from there the Eagles were in the lead – 27-15 at half time, 41-18 at the third break and then victors by 27 points. Banfield was named second best afield for his side, with O’Connor putting a major on the board as contribution. 

Vermont will play again this weekend in a Preliminary Final against Blackburn, and potentially Will Garner, for a spot in the Grand Final the following week against Rowville who booked their place last week with a win over Blackburn. 

In the Gippsland League, it was a mixed result for the Box Hill boys. Jack Hume and Leongatha managed a four-point victory over Wonthaggi, 10.4 (64) to 9.6 (60) in the Semi Final. Aside from trailing by one point at half time, the Parrots were leading for the rest of the game’s duration. 

While in the other Semi Final, Luis D’Angelo and David Brinker-Ritchie suffered a narrow defeat with Traralgon at the hands of Sale – 8.12 (60) to 8.9 (57). They led throughout the first half, were 48-all at three-quarter time and went down by just three points in the end. Brinker-Ritchie was named within Traralgon best players. 

Traralgon are now unfortunately knocked out, while Leongatha have progressed to the Grand Final, and will face the winner of Sale and Wonthaggi.  

Max Walton played off in the NAB League Elimination Final with Gippsland Power, securing the win over Northern Knights, 8.13 (61) to 7.9 (51). Gippsland were down by ten at the first break, up by one at half time, seven at three-quarter time to finish with a ten-point win. 

Walton was best on ground for the clash. Gippsland will now take to the field against Sandringham Dragons in the Preliminary Final this Saturday. 

In the Ovens and Murray League, Will Sexton and Yarrawonga managed a narrow five point win over Albury in their first final – 6.15 (51) to 6.10 (46). Yarrawonga now take on Wangaratta this Saturday in week two of the finals. 

Once again, good luck to all of our boys and their teams taking to the field in finals again this weekend! Especially Maki and Ali for their head-to-head Grand Final – May the best team win.