Brad Kingsbury
DEVON Meadows reserves continued their drive to the grand final with a resounding sevenpoint win over Narre Warren in Sunday’s preliminary final.
The seconds had arguably the best of the conditions with plenty of wind, but little rain during the game and it was the Panthers that adapted better, gaining and holding a slim lead after quartertime.
Narre Warren was boosted by the controversial inclusion of senior captain Luke Christopher and James Bradshaw, both who played well, but were outrun around the ground and had no answer for key Panther forward Jarrod Robertson who finished with three goals.
Magpies’ coach Chris Toner was bitterly disappointed after the game and said that finishing on top meant nothing if you were not successful in the finals.
UNDER 18
Against all odds Berwick under 18s downed Narre Warren to earn a shot at undefeated Doveton in this Saturday’s grand final.
The Wickers took advantage of the absence of key Magpie midfielders Lachlan Goodlet and Chris Collins and showed superior team spirit to bolt away to a fourgoal lead at halftime.
They were never seriously threatened in the second half and maintained the pressure to win by 44 points with something in reserve.
Darren Sheen took his season’s goal tally to 75 with three majors, while his Berwick teammates Stefan Makrigiannis, Andrew Stent and Sean Quin were also in great form.
The Magpies were well served by Alex Sakadjian and Stephen Williams.
