East defy critics

Morwell East defied all critics to beat Mirboo North in a critical first semi final match for the Hawks.

Going in as underdogs the Hawks have achieved a result that seven other clubs would envy, defeating Mirboo North 9-15 (69) to 6-6 (42).

A fortnight ago the East were rank outsiders to go past the elimination finals but two weeks on they have disposed of Yinnar (fourth) and Mirboo North (second) and now enter the preliminary final next Saturday.

Windy conditions at Hill End didn’t help good football but both teams were prepared to go in hard to win the ball. Mirboo North were without Kris Berchtold, one of their better play makers and they looked lost without him.

Morwell East trailed at the first break only through inaccurate kicking brought on by the pressure from Mirboo North defenders of which Dwayne Gunn played a big part, the East couldn’t buy a goal while Mirboo North were able to convert three times with Jesse Giardina playing a senior role.

By the first break Mirboo North led 3-0 to 1-5. Morwell East’s star was rising in the second term and they produced some of the best form seen this season, Frank Marks and John Koopmans were getting plenty of possession for the East giving their forwards a chance to score.

Clancy Bennett was doing well for the Tigers but too few were willing to win the hard ball, three goals to the East and one to Mirboo North saw the East grab a five point lead going into half time.

Both coaches were under the pump to get the best out of their respective teams as it would be mothballs for the loser.

Morwell East came out in the third and aided by the wind were more forceful in their attacks, their defence tightened and big Andrew Brown was gaining the upper hand in the ruck duals.

Shaun Barnes and Lachlan White were busy around the goals creating headaches for the Tiger defenders, the East were able to post another 2-2 (14) but it was hard going with plenty of stoppages. The East reduced Mirboo North to only one effective scoring shot, which resulted in a minor score and by threequarter-time Morwell East led by 15 points.

It was goal for goal in a hectic last quarter and Morwell East fans were out of their cars urging their Hawks on and the team duly responded. With the clock ticking down the Hawks were able to keep their heads up while the Tigers knew that this was their final match for the season as Morwell East for the second time this season defeated Mirboo North.

For the East it was a team effort led by Frankie Marks, Eric Semmler, John Koopermans and Paul Henry with Marks scoring three goals.

Jesse Giardina up forward for Mirboo North scored four goals but he received very little support. Best were Jeremy Salinger, Dwayne Gunn, Jesse Giardina and Clancy Bennett.