NEAFL Eastern finals wrap

By Sarah Browne

Belconnen vs. Ainslie, Kippax

Belconnen have booked themselves a place in the semi-finals with a big win over Canberra rivals Ainslie on Saturday afternoon.

Magpie forward Chris York’s five-goal haul led his side to a 38-point victory in the first round of NEAFL Eastern Conference finals.

The third quarter saw Belconnen break away from the Tri Colours, who had so far managed to stay within contention.

Belconnen kicked three unanswered goals to increase their lead to 23 points at the last break.

Player coach Matthew Lokan kicked two of his three goals in the final quarter to steer his side to a semi final clash against the Sydney Swans reserves at Blacktown this Saturday.

James Bennett was a standout for Belconnen, while Cameron Campbell and Jordan Harper were also named in the bests.

Jason Fleming, Nick Heyne and Dale Walker were the best afield for Ainslie.

The loss means Ainslie will play UWS GIANTS in a do-or-die final this Saturday at Ainslie Oval.

Final score: Belconnen def Ainslie 18.16.124 to 12.14.86

GOALS
Belconnen: C. York 5, A. Dess 3, D. Bunyan 3, M. Lokan 3, M. Sharp 2, M. Porter 1, J. Love 1
Ainslie: J. Bennett 3, M. Lawless 2, A. Harris 2, N. Heyne 2, J. Hirst 2, J. Gourlay 1

BEST
Belconnen: J. Bennett, C. Campbell, J. Harper, M. Sharp, A. Bennett, J. Hegarty
Ainslie: J. Fleming, N. Heyne, D. Walker, L. Crook, J. Hirst, J. Bennett

Umpires:  Rowe, Baigent and Elsworthy

Eastlake vs UWS Giants, Dairy Farmers

The UWS GIANTS have ended Eastlake’s final campaign with a convincing 42-point victory at Dairy Farmers on Saturday afternoon.

Despite positions on the ladder, UWS went into the elimination as heavy favourites and proved why, limiting the Demons to just one point in the first quarter.

The first half saw UWS kick eight goals to Eastlake’s one, and trailing by 47 points at the main break.

The Demons left their comeback too little too late, winning the final quarter by 33 points.

Gerard Ugle finished the day with four majors, while other multiple goal scorers for the GIANTS were Setanta O’hAilpin  with three goals and Jake Barrett and  James Stewart with two each..

Best afield for Eastlake included Aaron Wiles, Aaron Bruce and Matthew Laing.

While Eastlake’s season is now over, UWS will need to travel to Canberra again to play Ainslie on Saturday morning.

Final score: Eastlake def by UWS GIANTS 9.10.64 to 15.16.106

GOALS
UWS GIANTS: G. Ugle 4, S. O’hAilpin 3, J. Barrett 2, J. Stewart 2, J. Redfern 1, S. Edwards 1, S. Gilham 1, B. Thornton 1
Eastlake: H. Armstrong 2, R. Stoyanoff 1, M. Laing 1, J. Mesman 1, D. O’Connell 1, M. Ryan 1, L. McMahon 1, B. Maiden 1

BEST
UWS Giants: S. Schulz, A. Miles, S. Gilham, T. Downie, J. Bruce, G. Ugle
Eastlake: A. Wiles, A. Bruce, M. Laing, N. Perry, H. Armstrong, B. Halse

Umpires:  Gestier, Pawley and Mcginness