Noarlunga, Flagstaff Hill take winning form into finals after victories in last regular season games
That’s all folks – well at least for the Southern Football League teams which have not earned a finals berth – as the minor rounds come to an end.
- “Mate, what are you doing?”
- Reigning SFL premier making its move
- Cockledivers great becomes new games record holder
- Former footy powerhouse fighting for survival
The Southern Football League’s last minor round was played out on Saturday.
A the top-five was already decided before the games kicked off, the bottom four clubs were all just playing for some pride, while those heading into finals were keen to enter the major round in winning form.
Flagstaff Hill and Christies Beach will take in contrasting form when they kick off the major round this Saturday, while Noarlunga will have the bye after finishing top.
Here are our round 18 match reports:
NOARLUNGA 23.10 (148) CHRISTIES BEACH 8.14 (62)
Christies Beach was around the mark early against Noarlunga at Noarlunga Oval before copping a mauling by the hot Shoes.
But the Saints had no answer late on and could only watch the minor premier pile on 12.0 to 2.2 in the last quarter and secure the 23.10 (148) to 8.14 (62) victory.
Noarlunga coach Barry Pilmore said his side’s ability to take charge against Christies Beach was impressive.
“Really they (Saints) could have been closer than they were in the third quarter but we just went bang in the last quarter with 12 goals,’’ Pilmore said.
“Now we have the weekend off but we will still keep our normal routine.
“We are pretty close to having everyone on board so selection should be tough.
“We have been trying different things and positions and trying to find the right mix.’’
Nathan Schulz, Victor Robertson (seven goals) and Josh Thewlis led a star-studded list, while Terry Milera and Reece Martell kicked four goals each.
Aidan Coakley, Mathew Hodge and Clayton Mesecke were solid for the visitors, while Ryan Parry kicked three goals.
FLAGSTAFF HILL 22.19 (151) PORT NOARLUNGA 5.8 (38)
Flagstaff Hill showed some ominous form when they put Port Noarlunga to the sword at Flagstaff Oval last Saturday.
The three-times reigning premier cruised home 22.19 (151) to 5.8 (38).
Ben Rossi (five goals) was best for the hosts, while skipper David Kearsley and Sam Smith provided strong back up.
Daniel Butcher kicked three majors.
Jed Hickey, Aaron Peterson and Matthew Skrypek battled well for the Cockledivers.
COVE 8.10 (58) REYNELLA 11.12 (78)
Reynella controlled its away game against Cove last Saturday before triumphing 11.12 (78) to 8.10 (58).
Steven Farrelly, Bailey Marshman and Adam Broadbent played well for the Wineflies.
Alex Shaw, Lincoln Holder and Michael Galley battled well for Cove.
The Cobras’ season overall was disappointing.
They won just the one game in the opening round against Aldinga at Aldinga but conceded big scores against the league’s powerhouses.
One upside was the leadership of Michael Galley who also starred in the association game. Reynella’s form was up and down with strong victories against lower-ranked clubs but battling against the big guns.
Damon Arnold enjoyed a top season for the Wineflies with selection in the SA country team.
HAPPY VALLEY 16.10 (106) ALDINGA 5.10 (40)
Happy Valley needed a big last quarter to clear away from Aldinga when the sides met at Happy Valley last Saturday.
Both sides were well out of finals contention but it was the Vikings who claimed the victory, winning 16.10 (106) to 5.10 (40).
Ryan Matthews starred for the hosts with six goals, while Nick Frisby-Smith and Liam O’Connor were solid.
Best for the Sharks included Nyaningu Thomas Aidan Stewart-England and Dominic Papazoglov.
It was a solid year for the rebuilding Vikings who finished their campaign sixth with six wins and 10 losses.
GORDO’S GRILL
■ Well done to Christies Beach co-coaches Neil Reeve and Jacob Crate on their efforts with the Saints’ A grade.
While it is business as usual for the upcoming finals series, the pair announced they would not be continuing in coaching positions for the Saints in 2020.
■ It’s been tough going for clubs like Hackham and Aldinga in recent seasons but there have been shining moments for both. The Hawks’ C grade is on top and unbeaten at this stage in their comp, while the Sharks’ senior women’s team also leads their rivals.
■ Apart from Noarlunga in A grade and the Hawks as mentioned the only other unbeaten Saturday side going into the major round is Flagstaff Hill’s under-13s. There’s going to be some ripper games coming up.
FINALS WEEK ONE:
Saturday, August 31
■ Flagstaff Hill v Christies Beach (qualifying final, at Aldinga Oval)
Sunday, September 1
■ Port Noarlunga v Reynella (elimination final, at Port Noarlunga Oval)
■ Noarlunga – bye after finishing minor premier
