Seniors – 1^st Semi Final (29^th August 2010)
Phillip Island v Fish Creek (Meeniyan)

A slippery ground greeted the Phillip Island and Fish Creek sides at Meeniyan in the 1^st Semi final played on Sunday. The Island once again got off to a great start to a final, with Docherty goaling in the opening minutes. This was followed by a goal to Weir, before Fish Creek regrouped and responded with a goal of their own. B.Vernon was stamping his authority on the match with numerous possessions in the opening stages setting up his teammates. Scoring halted as play clogged up and the conditions started to play a part. The Bulldogs went into the first break with a slight advantage, although it was not fully represented by the scoreboard.

The 2^nd quarter wasn’t pretty to watch as the match became a tough slog with many turnovers from both teams. Phillip Island looked to be in control, but could not turn their hard work into results on the scoreboard, as the Fish Creek backline held strong. Z.Vernon was the key to the Bulldog’s defence once again, repelling anything that came his way with ease. Riordan played a perfect support role, doing all the hard stuff down back. Neither side could score a goal for the quarter, in what was a lacklustre quarter of football from a spectator’s perspective.

The game opened up after half time and become much more free flowing. A goal in the first minute to Fish Creek cut the difference to less than a kick and the game was alive. Stock became a ball magnet for the Island, with his cool head under pressure vital in this important final. McDonnell goaled to give the Bulldog’s some breathing space, and he followed this up with another goal moments later to ignite his side and give them the momentum. Fish Creek managed to get the ball forward and make the most of their limited opportunities, kicking a goal to keep them in the game. But it was the Phillip Island side who looked to be in control, which was typified when C.Dykes waltzed into goal and slotted a major. This was followed by goals to Oke and J.Dykes, putting them into the box seat going into the final term.

The Island had a perfect start to the final quarter, with S.Docherty showing his pace on the lead to mark and goal for a handy buffer. Fish Creek worked hard to get another goal on the board, but the Bulldogs had all the answers as S.Docherty goaled again to seal the win for the Island. A stalemate in scoring began, before S.Docherty kicked his third for the quarter to extend the Island’s lead further. Fish Creek managed to push forward and kick two goals but it was a case of too little, too late. McDonnell goaled just before the final siren to see the Island run out 36pt winners. The Phillip Island side now proceeds to the Preliminary Final against Foster on Saturday for a spot in the Grand Final. The Prelim will be played at Fish Creek. Next week on the Sunday after the Preliminary Final, the team will be having a recovery session and BBQ at the club at 10.30am. The bar will be open and all supporters are welcome.

Seniors: Phillip Island 11.11-77 def Fish Creek 6.5-41
Phillip Island
Goal Kickers: S. Docherty 3, S. McDonnell 3, C. Dykes , T. Oke , J. Docherty , J. Weir , J. Dykes
Best Players: Z. Vernon, S. Riordan, A. Stock, J. Youle, S. Docherty, B. Vernon

Fish Creek
Goal Kickers: J. Rouda 2, R. Smith 2, B. Anderson , T. Price
Best Players: T. Manne, N. Barry, S. Blencowe, M. Livingstone, J. Shaw, R. Staley