IRYMPLE and Ouyen United will once again meet on the grand final stage after the Swallows defeated Red Cliffs by 11 points in today’s senior football preliminary final.
Windy conditions at City Oval tested both sides in the first half, with the Tigers doing enough to lead by nine points at quarter time and two at the main break.
The reigning premiers then broke the game open with a strong third quarter to lead by 17 and held out in the final term to secure the 10.6 (66) to 8.7 (55) victory.
Swallows captain Daniel Coghlan was in superb touch, kicking four goals – including a clear goal of the day in the second quarter and two crucial majors in the third term – while also winning plenty of the footy.
Irymple co-coach Will Callow was pleased with how his side kept Red Cliffs at bay during a tense final quarter, where the clock nudged 30 minutes.
“It felt like it went for about an hour – I was starting to wear the grass out up there on the coaches’ box because I was pacing around,” Callow said.
“We’ve got some simple processes, just compete hard and don’t let the ball slip out, so it was good to see the boys, under immense pressure, really stood up and were able to hang on.”
Irymple also progressed to the grand final in the reserves, where they defeated Red Cliffs 8.5 (53) to 4.3 (27).
Mildura advanced in the under 18s preliminary final, defeating Irymple.
Magpies into grand final
Merbein progressed to the A Grade netball grand final after a thrilling win over Ouyen United.
After leading by one goal at half time, the Magpies went on to win by the same margin, 38-37.
They’ll play South Mildura next weekend.
Mildura won a spot in the B Grade decider, defeating Irymple 23-17.
Irymple won their C Grade clash with Merbein, 37-29.
In C Reserve, Merbein defeated Imperials in another close one, 28-26.
Imperials got the better of South Mildura in 17 & Under Division 1, 36-32.
South Mildura defeated Mildura in 17 & Under Division 2, 31-19.
For full coverage, pick up your copy of Monday’s Sunraysia Daily
For all the junior grand final action, pick up your copy of Tuesday’s Sunraysia Daily
