Seniors - 2nd Elimination Final (21st August 2010)
Phillip Island v Korumburra-Bena (Foster Showgrounds)

Phillip Island and Korumburra-Bena faced off in the 3^rd vs. 6^th Elimination final at Foster. The ground had deteriorated after three games of football which made for wet and muddy conditions. The Island showed they were here to play, with a running goal to B.Vernon in the opening minute, followed by a set shot goal through Murdoch. K-B tightened up after this and play became much more congested with the conditions playing a part. K-B made use of the strong wind, with Paterson converting from a set shot, before Alger ran onto a loose ball over the back for an easy major from the goal square. J.Dyke’s tough style of play was suited to the conditions and he was well supported by B.Vernon and Terlich. For K-B, youngster Fitzpatrick was showing his older counterparts how it was done, and Nunziato stood tall in the backline. The Island side was having trouble delivering the ball past half forward due to the tricky wind. They were made to pay for their mistakes upfield, as Maskell got on the end of a kick forward and snapped truly to give Korumburra-Bena a 9pt advantage at quarter time.

Phillip Island looked confident at the beginning of the 2^nd quarter with a strong breeze behind their backs. A courageous pick up and spin out of trouble from S.Docherty set up a running goal from McDonnell to cut the lead, before a contested grab from Weir saw him split the middle and gain back the ascendency. The game was alive as the ball went end to end and momentum kept swinging. Smith was doing the tough work for K-B off half back, whilst Hopkins was providing their drive from the midfield. The Island’s Price continued his recent form, winning the battle in the ruck and helping his teammates around the ground. The backline, led by Z.Vernon, worked overtime all quarter and kept K-B to one behind for the term. K-B looked to have the better of the Island towards the end of the quarter, but players such as Riky and J.Dykes held strong and weathered the storm. At half time the match was evenly poised, with the Island holding onto a 7pt lead.

Korumburra-Bena came out after half time full of vigour and kicked a goal in the opening minute through Alger. S.Docherty provided attacking rebound from the backline for the Island, which would prove priceless in this contest. Fitzpatrick continued to win plenty of the ball for K-B, and was well supported by Hopkins and Paterson. A great tackle from behind for holding the ball by J.Dykes gave him a shot on goal, which he duly converted. Fighting against the wind, another goal for the Island would give them a huge advantage going into the final stanza. Murdoch juggled a mark and slotted through a major from 35m out on a slight angle. The momentum was with the Island and a handy difference at 3q time put them in the box seat.

After a few minutes of tight play, the X-factor for the Island in Murdoch managed a flukeish goal off the side of his boot after an attempt at mark. Price continued to show up one of the Alberton League’s finest in Bradley, winning the majority of taps and taking numerous grabs. A miraculous snap around the body from K-B’s Maskell gave them a sniff, but the Island looked to be in control. Terlich was rewarded for his hard work throughout the match, finishing off a great team play by kicking the ball straight over the goal umpires head. K-B were not going down without a fight and responded with a snap from Alger for his third goal. No more goals were scored for the rest of the match as the Island held on for a fantastic finals win to start their campaign. For Korumburra-Bena, Fitzpatrick, Hopkins and Smith never gave up whilst B.Vernon, Z.Vernon and Price were the best contributors in an overall team effort from the Phillip Island Bulldogs. Next week they take on Fish Creek in the Semi Final at Dalyston on Sunday in what should be another enthralling contest.

Seniors: Phillip Island 8.9-57 def Korumburra-Bena 6.4-40

Phillip Island
Goal Kickers: S. Murdoch 3, B. Vernon , C. Terlich , J. Dykes , J. Weir , S. McDonnell
Best Players: B. Vernon, M. Price, Z. Vernon, C. Terlich, J. Dykes, S. Docherty

Korumburra-Bena
Goal Kickers: D. Alger 3, C. Maskell 2, S. Paterson
Best Players: B. Fitzpatrick, J. Hopkins, T. Smith, R. Nunziato, M. Bradley, S. Paterson