BEACONSFIELD’S first division Superules football side season came to an abrupt end when it was beaten by Greensborough in the elimination final on the weekend.
After finishing the homeandaway season as minor premiers, Beaconsfield was confident going into the weekend’s match. The previous time the two teams met the game ended in a draw and with Sutherland, Hamilton and Conduit unavailable for that game Beaconsfield expected to have a strong showing.
The first quarter was a hardfought battle with Greensborough getting the first goal for the game. But Beaconsfield responded immediately and posted its first goal, through Sutherland, only moments later.
Beaconsfield suffered an early blow when coach Hamilton strained a calf muscle and had to come off, upsetting the balance in the midfield.
Greensborough went into attack on many occasions but Studham, Wright and Co combined well to run the ball out of the Beaconsfield backline.
Sutherland, playing a lone hand up forward, was rewarded with his second for the term late in the quarter but Greensborough responded with two quick goals to go in at quarter time with a onegoal advantage. Beaconsfield 2.3.15 to Greensborough 3.3.21.
The second term was a shootout with both sides going goal for goal. Beaconsfield posted majors through Dunne with two for the term and one each to Treasure and Blackburn.
Even with these goals Beaconsfield’s general play around the ground was not up to its usual standard. Greensborough was applying pressure every time Beaconsfield had the ball enabling Greensborough to score as well.
Conduit was doing his best and was moved several times to try to shut down Greensborough’s run. Sheedy at half back was putting in a solid game despite a slight hamstring strain. Halftime: Beaconsfield 6.3.39 to Greensborough 7.3.45.
Although not playing good football, Beaconsfield was still in the game. The coaching staff tried shuffling players around but Greensborough had other ideas and posted five goals for the term to Beaconsfield two points.
Even with McGavigan winning the ruck duels Greensborough was too good in the midfield and went into attack with little resistance from Beaconsfield. The supply to Beaconsfield’s forward line was cut and when the ball was delivered, Greensborough had all the answers.
Threequarter time: Beaconsfield 6.5.41 to Greensborough 12.7.79
In desperation Studham was moved into the ruck and McGavigan to centre half forward and it paid dividends with McGavigan kicking two goals.
But it was too little too late. Captain Vandenberghe put in a solid game and was assisted well by Sheedy, but too few Beaconsfield players did well on the day in a performance that failed to reflect the club’s season.
On a brighter note Scott Sutherland, former Springvale VFA player and former Beaconsfield coach, won the league’s goalkicking with 45 goals from 10 games.
Scores: Greensborough 14.9.93 d Beaconsfield 9.9.63.
Goals: Sutherland, Dunne, McGavigan 2, Treasure, Blackburn, Turner 1.
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