Bombers out

by CAMERON PALMER

SISTER KATES ended the season of Beechboro after a comfortable 33-point win at Thornlie in the elimination final last week. After a tight and entertaining first three quarters Sister Kates led by just four points at the final change. Their running brigade and attacking brand of football took off and they powered to victory kicking 7.2 to 2.1 in the last quarter.

The match opened in hard and physical fashion as both teams applied tremendous pressure on the oppostition with both Jason Whiteman and Steve Davis clashing on numerous occasions in the first 10 minutes. Sister Kates eventually broke the deadlock kicking the first goal of the match and after this the teams traded goals to go in at two goals apiece at quarter time. Sister Kates dominated the second and third quarters but couldn't make it count on the scoreboard kicking only three goals in this time.

At times they appeared to have cracked the Beechboro defence but the Bombers held firm and a late goal in the third term left the match looking at a tight ending.

Sister Kates were led all day by big man Nik Woods who gave them drive from half back and from the middle. He also went up forward to kick two goals.

Brian Williams was also excellent off a wing and then after moving into the middle of the ground. But when the game was in the balance it was Lomas Roberts who stood up playing a fine second half.

Beechboro co-captain and reigning Smith Medallist John Chambers was tireless in his efforts and put in a solid display. He was patchy during the first half but stepped up in the clinches and was Beechboro's best in the last term. Scott MacDougal was excellent for Beechboro across half back and held the backline together under great pressure through the middle of the game. Unfortunately he left the field in the last quarter and from there Sister Kates were able to pile on a string of easy goals. In the second half Shaun O'Haire was also very good for the Bombers. After being solid along with MacDougal across half back he went up forward in the last quarter and provided an option for his side.

For Sister Kates they will be back same time, same place next week. However this time they will face a fired up Koongamia who will be looking to recover froma woeful second half last week. For Beechboro however it's a case of curtains for season 2002. After finishing third last season they are forced to settle with being the fifth best side in the Saturday League and can only look forward to season 2003.

Southern River booked itself a chance at going straight through to the 2002 grand final after easily acoounting for Koongamia by 55-points in the qualifying final last week. The loss leaves Koongamia, the season pacesetters for half the year, only one loss away from dropping out of the 2002 finals.

After an intriguing and open first half Southern River destroyed Koongamia in the second half scoring 6.7 to 0.2.

Inthe first quarter the game moved from end to end but amazingly only one goal was managed for the quarter and Southern River went in at quarter time with a small lead. The second quarter was the similar loose checking and free running but this time the defences of either side were unable to stop the fury of goals as eight were posted in 12 minutes during the quarter. Southern River however still held sway.

The third term was riddled by errors as tiredness set in on Koongamia who were two key players down after both being reported.

No goal was kicked in a scrappy and unproductive term. Koongamia fell away further in the last quarter as the extended run of Southern River set in and they were able to run away to the easy win running out comfortable 55 point winners.

For Southern River it was a solid all around performance with each member of the team doing something that contributed to the win. Adam Connell was best for the Falcons for his tireless work across the middle. On a day were slick disposals were rare he was an exception and was continually fighting for the ball at the base of the packs. Darren Hickey playing at centre half forward was excellent all day bringing down many fine marks and being an option al day. He completed his effort with two goals. Southern River also found a hero in Marco Melia who played an outstanding game up forward kicking three goals and having a hand in several others.

Despite his team being beaten comprehensively Paul Bennett of Koongamia was probably the best man on the ground with an outstanding display in the ruck. He continually won the taps and was constantly picking up possessions around the ground. Algie Kickett and Nathan Corunna were also very good for Koongamia constantly linking up in the switch across the ground.

Looking ahead Southern River face the toughest ask in the Saturday League playing a refreshed Roleystone for the right to go straight into the grand final. Koongamia now faces a do or die clash against Sister Kates in the first semi final.

Meanwhile Jeff Derrick of Beechboro has won the Smith Medal as the fairest and best player in the Saturday Football League.

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