September 17: Community Clubs Wrap-Up
While the Box Hill Hawks’ September continues to roll, a number of listed players’ community campaigns do the same; some now one final hurdle from premiership glory, others having already achieved it and unfortunately, a few falling agonisingly short.
It was elation for Nick Evans and South Croydon and conversely, heartbreak for Mackenzie Doreian and his Blackburn teammates in the Eastern Football League first division preliminary final – with the result’s confirmation requiring extra time – in a contest that went down to the wire. With scores locked at 55 apiece at the conclusion of regulation time, it was a goal to the Bulldogs in extra time’s second period which booked their spot in the grand final. The win setting up an enthralling rematch with Vermont, and keeping their chance of going back-to-back alive.
James Locke and Doncaster East capped their season in the perfect fashion, triumphing over Lilydale by ten goals to take out the division two premiership. It was an outstanding second half from the Lions which sealed the result; running away with the match after just five points separated the two sides at the major break.
In the Victorian Amateur Football Association, Box Hill trio Nathan Boucher, Sam Parsons and Ned Reeves faced off when Collegians and St. Kevin’s did battle in a top of the table clash for the William Buck Premier silverware; with Reeves and his St. Kevin’s cohort ultimately successful.
St Kevin’s increased an 11-point half time lead to a commanding 31 points at the final break, courtesy of a four-goal third term. While the Collegians fought valiantly in the final quarter – with a five goal to one comeback – it simply wasn’t enough to overcome their rivals, eventually going down by five points. In consolation, both Parsons and Boucher were named amongst their team’s best; to cap stellar season campaigns.
Liam Mackie teamed with ex-Box Hill personnel Sam Cust and Marc Lock for Old Carey in the Premier B grand final, against a strong St. Bernard’s line-up. In trying conditions, Old Carey went down to the minor premiers, though Mackie battled manfully all day.
