Williamstown CYMS secure double-chance in VAFA Division 1 again, and will face undefeated Therry Penola Lions in semi-final
WILLIAMSTOWN CYMS has achieved its first goal of finishing top two in Victorian Amateur Football Association Division 1 after its 35-point win over Bulleen Templestowe on Saturday.
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WILLIAMSTOWN CYMS has achieved its first goal of finishing top two in Victorian Amateur Football Association Division 1 after its 35-point win over Bulleen Templestowe on Saturday.
But the CYs were made to earn the four points from a Bullants outfit fighting to avoid relegation.
The CYs led by 13 at quarter-time and 19 at the main break before a five-goal third stanza setup a 16.18 (114) to 11.13 (79) victory.
Forwards Luke Molan and Jack Gray slotted five and four goals respectively for the CYs.
Williamstown coach Mathew Montebello said it was the perfect warm-up before a semi-final against undefeated Therry Penola this weekend.
“We knew they’d be fighting off relegation, so we expected a hard match,” Montebello said.
“When push came to shove, we started to overrun them.”
Kurt Scown had a week off after a month of groin niggles.
Scown and Matthew John, who has kicked 12 goals in eight games this season, will be two inclusions for this weekend’s final.
Montebello said his side is ready to make up for last year’s straight sets knockout, ticking the first box of securing a double-chance.
“Especially after last year, to finish second and get knocked out in straight sets, we wanted to finish top two and give ourselves the best possible opportunity,” he said.
“Our second half of the year has been really solid. Finals pressure is a little different.
“Hopefully (last year) is burning in their belly.”
Williamstown finished the home-and-away season on 14 wins and four losses, two of those coming against Therry Penola.
But Montebello said his side will take confidence from the five-point loss to the Lions in Round 14.
“I like the ‘us versus the world’ mentality,” Montebello said.
“Everyone expects Therry to go on their way. They’ve set the standard.
“You always want to win every game, but (Round 14) was a pure arm wrestle. It could have gone our way.”
Williamstown’s Russell Ackerly is still a week away from returning from injury.
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