Gippsland Times |
PAYNESVILLE held off a spirited Lucknow comeback bid to take out the East Gippsland football premiership, 15.7 (97) to 11.11 (77).
The Magpies will be ruing missed opportunities early, booting 1.7 in the first quarter to trail by two points at the first change.
An eight-goal second quarter gave the Gulls the break they needed, with Mark Sellings, who finished with four goals, providing a target while Shaun Ryan, three goals, also hit the scoreboard.
Trailing by 41 points at the long break, the Magpies worked their way into the contest in the third term, booting four goals to one to close the gap to 21 points.
The Magpies continued to edge close in the final term, getting within two points, only for the Gulls to stand up when it counted and push away with four final quarter goals of their own.
A remarkable goal from the boundary following a holding the ball decision against Magpies coach Gary Jones lifted the Gulls, who were up by two points at the time, who pulled away to win by 20 points.
David Donchi led the way in an even spread of contributors for the Magpies, while Brenton Martin was prominent, hitting the scoreboard when he ran forward with two majors.
Andrew Gieschen and Brent Isles also kicked two goals for the Magpies.
Jack Haslam was the Gulls' best, and he was well-supported by former Sale City player Damien Ashcroft, David Ashworth and Jason McCloy. Promising youngsters Ben Haslam and Ryan Holland also contributed to the win.
The league received a record $17,600 grand final gate.
Magpies win reserves
AFTER trailing for three quarters in a tight contest, Lucknow pulled away from Lindenow in the final term to take out the reserves premiership, 11.10 (76) to 8.11 (59).
Shaun Ryan was a key in the Magpies victory, booting seven of the side's 11 goals.
Cats claw cup
LINDENOW clicked into gear after quarter time to comfortably account for Paynesville in the under 18s decider, 15.16 (106) to 9.5 (59).
Trailing by nine points at the first change, the Cats booted six majors in the second to edge in front with an eight goal to three second half sealing the win.
Jack Avage booted five goals for the Cats.
