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Big V Premier B-Division 3 beats brave Bendigo
The VAFA’s Big V Premier B-Division 3 team found itself under intense pressure as it fought to hang on – and ultimately see off – a spirited Bendigo FNL line-up
Kew and Blues earned back to back promotions in thrillers whilst Richmond Central made their way into the Grand Final at the expense of Aquinas, also in a nail biter.
Kew won through to the Grand Final in Division 2 earning a right at a re-match with St Mary’s Salesian as they defeated Old Eltham by 14 points at Bill Lawry Oval. Andrew Brazzale was the star booting seven of Kew’s eleven goals for the day.
The Turtles led at the first and third changes and despite kicking two goals into the breeze in the last they couldn’t prevent the Bears from kicking five goals.
Kew earn back to back promotions and now have the chance to win back to back flags.
Kew 2.3, 5.5, 6.6, 11.7 (73)
Old Eltham Collegians 3.3, 4.7, 6.9, 8.11 (59)
GOALS, Kew :
A. Brazzale 7, R. Maibaum 2, B. Droessler 1, P. Donaldson 1
Old Eltham Collegians :
S. Whiteside 3, S. Ciavola 1, T. Woods 1, Z. Tranter 1, M. Hargrave 1, J. Laver 1
BEST, Kew : A. Brazzale, S. Bishop, J. Delbridge, K. Margaritis, P. Donaldson, B. Goodwin
Old Eltham Collegians : M. Crooks, J. Galvin, S. Whiteside, B. Switkowski, B. Strongman, G. McCracken
In Division 3, two absolute classic semi finals were played. Northern Blues defeated Emmaus St Leos by a single point and Richmond Central won through to face Blues in the decider after they outlasted Aquinas by 9 points.
Northern Blues had more scoring shots throughout the day, as they battled to get on top of Emmaus St Leos. The game itself was befitting of a Grand Final, the top two sides from the home and away season were only meeting in the Preliminary Final due to Emmaus slipping up to a rampant Richmond Central last week.
Blues trailed the Animals heading into the last, but booted 2.3 to 1.4 in a nerve filled final term to finish ahead by the barest of margins. Blues into a second Grand Final in as many seasons, and earning back to back promotions.
For Emmaus St Leos, it spells another season in Division 3 having been relegated from Division 2 at the end of 2013.
Northern Blues 3.3, 8.11, 11.14, 13.17 (95)
Emmaus St Leos 4.2, 8.3, 13.6, 14.10 (94)
GOALS, Northern Blues : T. Vuwai 3, L. McRedmond 2, M. Cigagna 2, J. King 2, D. Marcon 1, J. Warwick 1, N. Parkes 1, J. Phelan 1
Emmaus St Leos : P. Baranello 3, D. Hill 3, A. McDougall 2, R. Harding 2, C. Beluszar 2, B. Ellis 1, L. Virgo 1
BEST, Northern Blues : T. Lehmann, D. Wakim, L. McRedmond, J. Warwick, P. Sansonetti, N. De Andrade
Emmaus St Leos : N. Robin, T. Thorn, P. Baranello, L. Glover, D. Hill, A. Ballard
Richmond Central won their eighth straight match to topple Aquinas by nine points to win through to their first grand final since 2011. This game went back and forth all day with both sides having chances to win the game, but the Snakes threatened more often, however they just couldn’t put the game to bed.
Bucci booted five goals to help send the Snakes to the big dance, Richmond Central will now face a Northern Blues side they have beaten twice this year already. If they can do it a third time, Richmond Central will be celebrating a first senior flag since 1994.
Richmond Central 1.5, 5.8, 9.12, 11.25 (91)
Aquinas 3.4, 6.8, 10.9, 12.10 (82)
GOALS, Richmond Central :W. Bucci 5, S. Bugeja 1, P. Holland 1, A. Fiske 1, S. Brown 1, T. Thurwood 1, S. Ward 1
Aquinas : M. Kershaw 2, J. Perrett 2, S. Williams 2, L. Toomey 1, P. Jurkovsky 1, T. Niezen 1, C. Cormack 1, M. Jess 1, N. Morrison-Storey 1
BEST, Richmond Central : R. Costanzo, S. Brown, K. Schoenmaekers, T. Thurwood, D. Holland, W. Bucci
Aquinas : M. Jess, L. Toomey, M. Kershaw, L. Barnes, N. Morrison-Storey, J. Morrison-Story
The VAFA’s Big V Premier B-Division 3 team found itself under intense pressure as it fought to hang on – and ultimately see off – a spirited Bendigo FNL line-up
The Big V Women received a late scare before ultimately seeing off a desperate finish from Perth Football League to win a nailbiting clash by a solitary point at Steel
Wasteful disposal was the main culprit in the Big V Men’s 23-point loss to Perth FL in blustery conditions at Steel Blue Oval in Bassendean. The gusty breeze played havoc