BEACONSFIELD Superules thirddivision team will make its first finals appearance, despite losing to Western Devils by 20 points at the weekend.
In windy conditions at Sunshine, Beaconsfield went into the match as underdogs against the undefeated Western Devils.
Beaconsfield played accountable football throughout the first term and did not allow the Devils to get a start.
The windy conditions played havoc as players from both sides struggled to hit targets. Late in the quarter however Stewart marked 40 metres out and kicked Beaconsfield’s first goal of the game.
Ross was doing a great job on the Western Devils’ fullforward who last game kicked eight goals.
The rest of the back line was doing well, withVinny playing as a loose manacross centre halfback to fill the hole.
Lowe was in and under as usual and provided plenty of drive for Beaconsfield.
A kick by Walsh was held up with the wind, however Stewart read the conditions better than others, sat back on the goal line for an easy mark and goal froma metre out.
Coach Valentine was happy with the team’s endeavour and asked the players to continue their runon game in the third quarter and to take risks with playing on and using quick handpasses.
Vinny moved into the ruck to give Beaconsfield a bigger body in the contests and straight away hit Valentine, however Beaconsfield was unable to find a target up forward to capitalise on it.
Tiberi was having a good game down back and was then moved into the centre to give some fresh legs through the middle with Nicholls having a spell.
Burr shut his opponent down and Vandenberghe was now a target up forward taking marks and driving the ball forward.
The final term saw Western Devils slow the game down and this frustrated Beaconsfield.
Marsh was having a good game out of defence, running forward to create the loose man, Glenn Turner showed the nevergiveup attitude to chase his man down and was rewarded with a free kick for his efforts.
About 10 minutes in, Nicholls marked about 30 metres out to give Beaconsfield its third for the game.
Much of the last 10 minutes was played in Beaconsfield’s half of the ground, however not being able to get players free for shots on goal Western Devils held on to win comfortably.
Valentine was pleased as Beaconsfield kept the Devils to their lowest score and the closest gamefor the season.
Scores: Beaconsfield 3.4.22 lost to Western Devils 5.12.42.
Goals: Stewart 2, Nicholls 1.
Best: Marsh, Vinny, Lowe, Ross and Ward.