BEACONSFIELD went down to Pakenham by one point in an exciting CaseyCardinia League first semifinal at Robinson Reserve on Sunday.
After a frantic first few minutes Pakenham took the initiative and, with their onballers making the running and kicking towards what appeared to be the scoring end, got the early break and led at quartertime by 17 points.
Beaconsfield steadied after the break and started finding targets. Luke McConnell and Tory Dickson were proving a headache for the Lion backmen and the Eagles asserted some authority with a sixgoalstothree quarter.
As has been the case in the past three weeks the Eagles failed to capitalise on a good second quarter and Pakenham took the lead in a tight term. The stage was set for a great final quarter with the loser out of the finals race.
The lead changed six times in the last quarter, first Pakenham then Beaconsfield grabbing the advantage. Kickable shots by both sides went through for behinds, adding to the tension. In the end it was the Lions in the lead by a point when the final bell rang and the Eagles were left lamenting.
Scores: Pakenham 14.5.89 d Beaconsfield 13.10.88.
Goals: Luke McConnell 6, Tory Dickson 3, Justin Duffy, Nathan Tiberi, Daniel Mislicki, Chris Kelf 1.
Best: Kris Fletcher, Luke McConnell, Chris Kelf, Tory Dickson, Tim Musgrove.
UNDER 18
Beaconsfield went down to Berwick by 26 points in their semifinal.
With the early start the grass was still wet with dew at the opening bounce and the crowd witnessed a scrappy first quarter. Both teams made mistakes under the pressure of finals. A similar pattern played out in the second quarter but Berwick was showing signs of getting on top. A ninepoint lead to the Wickers at the main break left both sides with an opportunity in the second half.
The young Eagles played their best footy in the third quarter but Berwick also did well and, with a twopoint margin at the last change, it was anybody’s game. The Eagles were not able to go on with it and conceded five goals to two in a onesided final quarter.
Scores: Berwick 10.12.72 d Beaconsfield 7.4.46.
Goals: Daniel Pavlovic 4, Damien Szwaja, Ash Salter, Brendan Jarman 1.
Best: Daniel Pavlovic, Scott Threlfall, Damien Szwaja, Jeff Jonas, Ash Salter.
CLUB NOTES
Beaconsfield acknowledged the efforts of retiring player, captain and coach Leigh Clifford for his contribution to the success of the club in the past eight years. The club said he had garnered universal support and respect from players, committee, supporters of the club and its opponents.
Also retiring was club legend and fivetime bestandfairest Troy Cashman, who has played for the Eagles for 20 years and a club record 344 games.
