Grand Final-bound Old Ivanhoe and dominant Vultures triumph in epic finals

Ari Paevere

The opening week of the Premier C Men’s competition finals did not disappoint, with both games delivering riveting action that marked a sensational start to the finals series.

In a highly anticipated matchup at Waverley Oval, Old Camberwell hosted Old Ivanhoe. The winner would secure a coveted spot in the 2023 Premier C Men’s Grand Final and enjoy a week off, whilst the losing side would face an elimination final against the victor of the Parkdale Vultures and PEGS clash.

From the first quarter, spectators at Waverley Oval were treated to an intense contest that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Both teams fiercely battled for supremacy, as is expected in a final. Old Ivanhoe closed out the quarter with two goals to their name, just one ahead of Old Camberwell, giving them a slender five-point lead heading into the second quarter.

The second quarter saw Old Ivanhoe taking control, extending their lead by kicking four goals to Old Camberwell’s two. They went into the halftime break with a comfortable 19-point advantage.

However, the third quarter witnessed a dramatic shift in momentum as Old Camberwell mounted a spirited comeback. They scored four unanswered goals, seizing an eight-point lead going into the final quarter.

With the game hanging in the balance, Old Ivanhoe shifted gears and dominated the final quarter, kicking five goals to Old Camberwell’s one, securing a 19-point victory and a well-deserved spot in this year’s Grand Final, along with a week off to prepare.

Luke Scuderi played a pivotal role for Old Ivanhoe with three goals, while Patrick Naish and William Murphy were solid contributors with two goals each. Riley Verbi impressed for Old Camberwell, scoring two goals of his own.

Old Ivanhoe’s journey to the Grand Final is commendable, especially for a team that spent much of the season outside the top two. They displayed unwavering dedication and persistence throughout the year, earning their place in what has been a remarkable season for the club.

In contrast, Old Camberwell will be bitterly disappointed to miss out on this opportunity, having been the dominant team in the competition during the second half of the year. Their path to the premiership now requires two victories against quality opponents, starting with the upcoming elimination final against the Parkdale Vultures.

Speaking of the Parkdale Vultures, they appear unstoppable at the moment, with their only loss since round 10 coming against Old Camberwell, whom they will face in a highly anticipated clash next week.

The elimination final between PEGS and the Parkdale Vultures at Garvey Oval was a tightly contested affair. Parkdale maintained control for most of the day, limiting PEGS to a single goal per quarter for the first three quarters while scoring eight of their own.

Heading into the final quarter with a 29-point lead, the Vultures successfully fended off a late surge from PEGS, ultimately winning by 15 points. Ryan Macdermid and Jarrod Peake were key contributors for the Vultures in their thrilling victory.

For PEGS, a team that led the ladder for much of the year and appeared dominant, their 2023 campaign ended in disappointing fashion. They will seek to recapture their early-season form as they aim for a deeper push for the premiership in the 2024 season.

All eyes are now on Trevor Barker Oval this Sunday as Parkdale and Old Camberwell battle for a coveted Grand Final spot in what promises to be a thrilling contest. Their previous encounter went down to the final siren, and Sunday’s clash is sure to deliver another dose of excitement.