BY PAKENHAM GAZETTE SPORT
UPSETS aplenty on top of a couple of old-fashioned beltings highlighted the weekend’s football in TAC Cup, Casey Cardinia and Ellinbank and District Football Leagues.
TAC CUP
Dandenong eased its demons by knocking off the better-fancied Western Jets on Sunday. Stingrays surged late to kick ahead while defending efforts of Dan Moloney, Alex Harnett and Bailey Rice deserve applause. Jacob Weitering starred in front of goals while Moloney was exceptional in defence. Dandenong faces Geelong on Sunday from 2pm.
CASEY CARDINIA
BEACONSFIELD created the first major finals upset as it knocked off Cranbourne 14.14 (98) to 10.9 (69). Fighting back from a quarter-time deficit, Beaconsfield surged to steal the win. Kris Fletcher (three goals) and returning Stingrays forward Taylor Joyce (two goals) gave Beaconsfield something to aim at while Cranbourne failed to find avenues beyond Marc Holt (four goals). Beaconsfield clashes with Narre Warren this weekend in the major semi-final.
Pakenham was knocked out of the finals race by a determined Berwick outfit, led by Andrew Morozoff (three goals) and Mitch Johnson (three goals). The Lions fell away after the final break as Berwick thumped seven goals to take the win. Gippsland Power-listed Jake Smith was best afield for Pakenham while Morozoff and Daniel Harrison were the Wickers’ standouts. Berwick clashes with Cranbourne in the second semi.
ELLINBANK – EAST
Longwarry broke the back of Warragul Industrials in a 67-point belting. Stephen Hawkins (five goals) led the Crows’ flight towards the flag while Josh Bourke and Nick Redley were best afield. The premiership will be a battle between Longwarry and Buln Buln this weekend at Western Park.
ELLINBANK – WEST
It was the calm before the storm out West, with Garfield destroying the old enemy Bunyip by 101 points at Beswick Street in what should have been the match of the round. The finals kick off this weekend with Cora Lynn facing Kooweerup, and Nar Nar Goon up against Garfield.
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