Just one goal was scored all game at the northern end of West Oval on Sunday, but it was arguably the most important as St Mary’s defeated Bell Park by eight points in the Geelong Football League elimination final.
With a howling wind blowing towards the southern end of the Geelong West oval, the ball spent most of its time at the scoring end towards Pattison Avenue.
Patrick Dowling’s goal against the run of play at the 7-minute mark of the final term gave the Saints a 24-point lead and while the Dragons would pepper the sticks, they would score two goals and 10 behinds for the quarter. Final scores St Mary’s 8.15(63) to Bell Park 6.19(55).
With the wind beckoning in the final term, the Dragons had done well to keep the margin to 10 points late in the third quarter.
But goals to Dowling at the 28-minute mark and a long goal from outside 50 from Charlie Sprague just before the siren gave St Mary’s a 23-point buffer, which would ultimately prove enough.
The best individual play of the day was from Bell Park star Jack Sarcevic, who kicked one of the more remarkable goals you’ll ever see. Trapped in the forward pocket, Sarcevic found a way through two Saints defenders and threaded through an almost impossible banana kick for an amazing six pointer.
The Saints now take on Newtown & Chilwell in the first semi-final, while Bell Park bowed out in the first week of the finals for the second consecutive season.
Colac set up an epic second semi-final showdown with a 49-point win against Newtown & Chilwell.
Darcy Lang was superb in the middle and booted two goals for the Tigers while young gun Micah Robb kicked three majors.
Colac will regain Ben McCarthy for Saturday’s clash after sitting out the game through suspension.
SECOND SEMI-FINALS
Saturday September 13, West Oval, Geelong West
Seniors: St Joseph’s vs Colac, 2.10pm
Reserves: Newtown & Chilwell vs South Barwon, 11.45am
Under 18 Division 1: South Barwon vs Torquay, 9.45am
FIRST SEMI-FINALS
Sunday September 14, West Oval, Geelong West
Seniors: Newtown & Chilwell vs St Mary’s, 2.10pm
Reserves: St Joseph’s vs Torquay, 11.45am
Under 18 Division 1: St Joseph’s vs Ocean Grove, 9.45am
