DIVISION TWO
LANGWARRIN have got their finals campaign off to a flying start by securing an upset win over Karingal.
Both sides travelled to Somerville on Saturday for the qualifying final keen to get a win. Both sides had a good season, and did well enough to to secure a double chance for finals.
The Kangaroos got the early jump over the Bulls, and took a two goal lead into the first break. They managed to hold onto that lead throughout most of the game, and were still in the box seat by three-quarter time. Langwarrin led Karingal by 14 points going into the last term.
Karingal couldn’t do enough in the final quarter to make Langwarrin worry, and they eventually succumbed to defeat 6.8 (44) to 9.16 (70).
The result was a shock one, with Karingal coming into the contest as favourites. They finished over two wins ahead of the Kangaroos on the ladder this season.
Matthew Payenborg scored three goals for the winning Kangaroos, while Jarryd Amalfi, Luke Churcher, and Mitch Cuthbert also had an impact.
Having lost the qualifying final, Karingal will now take on the winner of the Chelsea vs Somerville clash in a do or die match next week.
Alexandra Park played host to Chelsea and Somerville in their semi final clash. The Seagulls got off to a nightmare start, kicking seven straight behinds in the first term to blow their chance of a big early lead.
Chelsea were a little better in the second quarter and managed to sneak into a narrow lead by the time half time came around.
After the main break, Somerville did some damage with a five goals to one third term. Chelsea weren’t able to claw their way back from a five goal deficit in the final quarter, and ended up succumbing to defeat 5.20 (50) to 9.12 (66). Thanks to their inaccuracy in front of goal, Chelsea have crashed out of finals and are left wondering what might have been.
Red Hill take on Sorrento at Chelsea Reserve next Saturday in a semi-final clash. At Alexandra Park on Sunday, Karingal will play Somerville.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 20 August 2019
