Rokewood-Corindhap has taken first points in the RegionalOne Lexton Plains Football League finals, with a 15 point qualifying final win over reigning premier Carngham-Linton.QUALIFYING FINAL
The Grasshoppers had the win they had to have, 13.8 (86) to 9.17 (71), erasing some memories of ordinary recent final series.
Their 15 point win puts them into the second semi final against Skipton on Saturday.
Carngham-Linton put itself in the hot seat early with an inaccurate opening term.
But when the Saints led by 25 points early in the second quarter, it appeared the Grasshoppers were again going to be on the wrong end of a final.
But six goals of the next seven, including a goal from a 50 metre penalty on half time, had Rokewood-Corindhap in front at the main break.
The third term was a goal for goal affair, with the margin fluctuating, but failing to get into double figures either way.
The game was there for the taking, and it was Rokewood-Corindhap which took the bait, kicking two quick goals to snuff out the Carngham-Linton challenge.
Karl Begbie and Ryan Raglus kicked three goals each for the winners, while Ross Arnall again played a great game.
Xavier Ryan and youngster Cam Griffith also put in good performances to help Rokewood-Corindhap advance.
Carngham-Linton can improve, but must look at its forward line before it tackles Navarre Sunday.
Delivery into attack left a lot to be desired on Saturday, while some decisions were simply wrong.
It was not the Saints of old, with pressure now squarely in their face as they fight to remain in contention.
Defender James Rayner was outstanding Saturday, while wingman James Templeton and ruckman Matt Stasse were best.
Goals: Rokewood-Corindhap: Karl Begbie, Ryan Raglus 3, Carl Matheson 2, Cam Griffith, Ethan Johnstone, Luke Ashmore, Tim Fulton, Pat Smith.
Carngham-Linton: Matt Stasse, David Breen 2, Jade Keam, Joel Kelly, Jake Pring, Clint Ladiges, Mitch Giddings.
Best: Rokewood-Corindhap: Ross Arnall, Karl Begbie, Xavier Ryan, Cam Griffith, Ethan Johnstone, Ryan Raglus.
Carngham-Linton: James Rayner, James Templeton, Matt Stasse, Joel Kelly, Mitch Giddings, Jake Pring.
ELIMINATION FINAL
Navarre did what most expected on Sunday in the RegionalOne Lexton Plains Football League elimination final.
The Grasshoppers finished Natte-Bealiba’s season in convincing fashion, 15.12 (102) to 4.7 (31).
Leading all day, Navarre quickly exerted its authority, though its 25 point lead at quarter time could have been quickly erased with the wind at Navarre.
But the lead was not eaten into by Natte-Bealiba, who looked gone at half time.
It was this second term which determined the result.
Navarre did as it liked in the third term, with seven goals to just a point.
Ben Scott kicked four goals for the game, two in each the first and third terms, to be the leading goalkicker on the ground.
In fact he kicked as many as Natte-Bealiba could manage for the day.
Swan Steven Quinn was best with three, but he and the other forwards had few opportunities, with the Grasshopper defenders well on top.
It was a sad way for Natte-Bealiba to go out, but having just won five games (three against Lexton and two against Ararat Eagles) it was always going to be a task to beat Navarre.
The Grasshoppers teamed well during the day, kicking for goal well in the trying conditions.
It was their day in the end, as the rain that the game finished in was ironic for Natte-Bealiba, with their season washed away.
Goals: Navarre: Ben Scott 4, Josh Rathgeber, Nick Murphy 2, Wayne Driscoll, Dean Capewell, Sam Robertson, Louis Hannett, Tom Newton, James Watts, Steve Benham.
Natte-Bealiba: Steve Quinn 3, Brent Mortlock 1.
Best: Navarre: Ben Scott, Lachlan Robertson, Nick Murphy, Dean Capewell, Dean Gibson.
Natte-Bealiba: Steven Quinn, Nathan Ross, Shane Jardine, Leigh Berlund, Steve Ross.
NEXT WEEK
SATURDAY
Second Semi Final at Skipton
SENIORS: Skipton v Rokewood-Corindhap
RESERVES: Rokewood-Corindhap v Carngham-Linton
UNDER 17: Illabarook v Carngham-Linton
UNDER 14: Skipton v Navarre
UNDER 12: Skipton v Rokewood-Corindhap
SUNDAY
First Semi Final at Rokewood
SENIORS: Carngham-Linton v Navarre
RESERVES: Skipton v Ararat Eagles
UNDER 17: Natte-Bealiba v Rokewood-Corindhap
UNDER 14: Ararat Eagles v Carngham-Linton
UNDER 12: Carngham-Linton v Illabarook
By Rhys Brehaut
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