It was really a final round showdown for many teams across all grades this week to secure finals spots. Many were on the cusp and stepped up for finals opportunities. With many others enjoying their last game and celebrating a full season played together.
A1 Division
Cheltenham (1) 41 defeated Mordialloc (1) 39
Even with the loss Mordialloc already had their finals position secured. They will need to take the lessons learnt from this close match and apply them to their final next week. They are up against Caulfield who have had the buy this week. Last time they played was round 10 where Caulfield won by 16.
Finishing second on the ladder Cheltenham take on top team Dingley in their second chance final. They went down to the dominant force that is Dingley last week by 25. You can’t say the dingos are invincible having lost one game of the season, though it will take all of Cheltenham’s efforts to penetrate their confident playing style.
Other Results
Cranbourne (1) 40 defeated Heatherton (1) 31
Dingley (1) 63 defeated Aspendale Arrows (1) 22
Caulfield Bears (1) BYE
A2 Division
St Kilda City (1) 32 defeated Caulfield Bears (2) 23
St Kilda City were replying on this win to finish in the top four for finals. They were expect to claim the four points up against Caulfield who are sitting 8th on the ladder. Struggling with an inconsistent team across the season, Caulfield never gave and pushed St Kilda to perform at the Peanut Farm for the win.
St Kilda City are now up against St Pauls McKinnon in the finals next week. Last time they met was in round 12 where City snuck away with the win by 1 point. Expect an exciting and contested match between two hungry teams!
Other Results
Murrumbeena (1) 30 drew with Dingley (2) 30
Port Melbourne Colts (1) 54 defeated Cranbourne Eagles (2) 13
St Pauls McKinnon (1) 48 defeated Cheltenham (2) 22
A3 Division
South Yarra (1) 45 defeated Keysborough (1) 36
South Yarra put on a fantastic performance to beat third on the ladder, Keysborough. But unfortunately the margin on the ladder wasn’t enough to get them across the finals line being two points behind Dingley sitting in fourth. They should be proud of their efforts across the season.
Keysborough now face Dingley in the first knockout final. The last time they met was only two weeks where Keysborough secured a 5 point victory. Dingley will be coming out raring for the win this time, it will be all on the line for both teams!
Other Results
Springvale Districts (1) 57 defeated East Brighton Vampires (1) 35
Cheltenham (3) 34 defeated Hampton (1) 31
Dingley (2) 41 defeated Aspendale Arrows (2) 26
A4 Division
South Yarra (2) 34 defeated Doveton Doves (1) 32
A close one for these two teams. You could consider this a practice match as they both finished up the season as 3rd and 4th on the ladder. They will meet again next week in the knockout final. I am sure there will be lots to debrief on and be discussed at training this week in preparation!
The winner will they play the defeated team of Mordialloc and Parkdale Vultures.