A BIG day of football for the Dandenong Ranges Junior Football League with five matches played in fine sunny conditions at Croydon North Football Ground.
The Monbulk boys were up against a very determined Yarra Junction side with both teams keen to book a berth in the Grand Final next week.
The Hawks started well but could not find the goals unlike Junction who held a handy lead at the first break. Junction remained in front for the next two quarters and it was not until half way through the last quarter that the Hawks were able to briefly take a slim lead.
With the very vocal and supportive crowd urging on either team, the score was all locked up with both sides on 6 goals 14 points at the final siren.
Time on was called, with two five minute halves to be played. The Hawks again were off target kicking two points, before Junction scored a goal to take the lead in the first half. After some tense moments the Hawks slotted a major to take the lead and hold on grimly till the final siren.
The Hawks will now have their third match of the season against the UpweyTecoma boys in what promises to be a thrilling Under 16 Grand Final next week.
Best players: D. Peterson, A. White, H. Huybens, J. Creed, K. Gray.
Dandenong Ranges Junior Football League
Finals Update
Results of Preliminary Finals played Sunday, 28 August at Croydon North Football Ground.
Under 11: Wandin 4.6.30 def Woori Yallock 4.2.26
Under 13: Emerald 7.10.52 def Mt Evelyn 3.5.23
Under 12: GembrookCockatoo 7.6.48 def UpweyTecoma 5.3.33
Under 14: Wandin 7.9.51 def GembrookCockatoo 2.6.18
Under 16: Monbulk 7.18.60 def Yarra Junction 7.14.56
Details of DRJFL Grand Final Day
Matches to be played Sunday, 4 September at Woori Yallock Football Ground.
9.45am: Under 11: UpweyTecoma vs Wandin.
10.45am: Under 13: Healesville vs Emerald.
12.05pm: Under 12: Mt Evelyn vs GembrookCockatoo.
1.15pm: Under 14: Healesville vs Wandin.
2.40pm: Under 16: UpweyTecoma vs Monbulk.