Border Mail |
CDHBU was savouring the finest moment of its short history in the Hume league after the Power overcame the challenge of Howlong by 28 points to secure their maiden finals berth since crossing from the Coreen league in 2008.
Both teams were playing for their finals survival but it is the Power who will meet perennial powerhouse Osborne in the elimination final next Sunday after their 14.8 (92) to 10.4 (64) victory.
It is only the second time Howlong has missed finals since 1995.
CDHBU coach Brad Talbot was proud of his charges.
“There were some happy faces around the club last night and it was satisfying to get the win and be part of history,” Talbot said.
“There is a really good vibe around the place.
“A lot of people have put in a lot of hard work since joining the league and it’s good to get the reward for effort.
“I thought it was probably our best performance of the season.
“Our pressure and intensity around the contest was first class and everyone stood up in what was a big occasion for the club.
“We have got no superstars and rely on everyone just to play their role which we did yesterday and got the reward.”
After an even first term the Power took control during the second quarter with four goals to none and were never challenged for the remainder of the match.
The Power’s defence led by Sam Burdon was outstanding to keep the Spiders goalless in the second and third quarters.
Burdon had the match-up on big bustling Spider Bobby Griffiths and was a tower in defence while restricting Griffiths to zero goals.
Power ruckman Matt Robinson claimed best on ground honours after restricting the influence of in-form Spider big man Peter Hancock and capped a polished display with three goals.
Midfielders Josh Lewis and Luke Bryon also played dominant roles with hard-nut Lewis relentless in the clinches.
Bryon has made the switch from defence to the midfield in recent weeks and has thrived on the extra responsibility.
Livewire Jesse Dale with seven goals and Hamish Clark were among a handful of Spiders to battle hard.
Howlong is on the lookout for a new coach with Karl Jacka stepping down after one year at the helm.
Talbot warned the Power would not rest on its laurels and was hungry for finals success.
“Opportunities like this don’t come around often and we want to make the most of our opportunity,” he said.
Meanwhile, star recruit Jeremy Stevenson took out the Power’s best and fairest award yesterday ahead of Andrew Ollington.
In other matches, Henty enjoyed a 41-point win over Culcairn with Jonny Mercuri, Darcy Kilmartin and Isaac Muller the standouts.
Osborne proved too classy for Rand-Walbundrie with a 44-point win.
Cats big men Hayden Gleeson, Max Baldissera and Jamie Parr were all pivotal with coach Daniel McAlister also lively with four goals.
