PAKENHAM seniors stormed into Sunday’s preliminary final after a thrilling onepoint win in the dying minutes against archrivals Beaconsfield on Sunday.
The young Lions got away to a dream start, playing quick, running football and went into the first break with a lead of three goals.
The second quarter was a struggle to gain ascendancy with Beaconsfield narrowing the margin at the main break and then again during the third quarter with the Lions’ lead being under a goal at the last break.
The final quarter was a fitting end to a true finals’ battle with the lead changing several times.
With only a couple of minutes to go and the Lions down by four points, a 50metre penalty saw captain Seb Paynter, who returned to the side from injury, kick a goal to put them back in front.
Beaconsfield cleared the ball from the centre bounce and the everdangerous McConnell marked and had a shot from outside 50, but kicked a point.
The Lions held on to win and will meet Narre Warren in the preliminary final on Sunday.
The Lions were well led by Michael Holland in the centre and vicecaptain Justin Sutherland in defence. Lincoln Withers stood up in the last quarter with some matchsaving centre clearances. Robert Elston put his dynamic left foot to great use and kicked a couple of goals, while Nathan Brown stood up in all positions he played in.
Scores: Pakenham 14.5.89 d Beaconsfield 13.10.88.
RESERVES
Playing minor premiers Narre Warren, the first quarter was one of the best by the Lions since the premiership season in 2001.
The side, with a great mix of youth and experience, kicked the first five goals and set the tone for the remainder of the match, running out victors by 40 points.
Each time Narre Warren tried to get back in to the game the Lions retaliated, turning defence into attack many times.
The lead was out to nearly 10 goals in the early stages of the last quarter before the Lions took their foot off the pedal.
Ben Kitchin was judged best afield, gathering many possessions in the middle and booting two goals.
Sam Paynter and Joel Lenders enjoyed the large wings of the Doveton ground, finding plenty of space that suited their running game.
Ian Mortimer was solid in defence, while Dima had the ball on a string all day. Ryan McQualter was the pick of the forwards, booting three goals and Chad Ambrose had a huge weekend and played a tremendous game.
The Lions have a week’s rest while one of their eventual opponents in the grand final battle it out this weekend in the preliminary final.
Scores: Pakenham 15.12.102 d Narre Warren 9.8.62.
CLUB NOTES
Presentation night for both the football and netball clubs will be held on Friday, 23 September in the highway function room at 7.30pm.
Tickets are now on sale through the committee and must be presold for catering purposes.
No tickets will be sold on the night.
