Yinnar win epic qualifier
Yinnar won an epic qualifying final, worrying Yallourn-Yallourn North out of the game and winning 10-8 (68) to 9-3 (57).
The pressure of finals football got the better of the Bombers late in the final quarter, as the experience and composure of the Magpies proved to be the difference.
The game throughout the day was tight and tough, the intensity from both sides outstanding. In fact the biggest margin between the two sides was probably at the final siren.
At quarter time scores were locked away at three goals apiece and at half time Yinnar held a slender one goal lead.
Yinnar’s win under pressure against good opposition on a ground that was presented beautifully by Mirboo North was full of merit and confirmed them as the genuine contender for the premiership.
The Bombers better players all got enough of the ball to win the game but it was the better team that got the chance to take one step closer to the ultimate prize.
Next week, the Magpies match up against Trafalgar, a side they have failed to beat on the two occasions they’ve met during 2018.
The winner takes a shortcut through to the grand final, for the loser the pressure builds as they wait for who might be coming at them next.
Epic Fourths battle looms
Hill End’s Fourths have advanced to the second-semi-final, setting up an epic battle with Trafalgar for a place in the grand final.
The Rovers overcame a slow start, trailing at quarter time, to kick into gear and motor away from Yinnar in the second half to win 9-10 (64) to 4-2 (26).
Bayley Paul bagged six goals, with Drew Orton kicking the other three.
Brodie Malady, Jack Pinch, Ryan Dyke and Corey Philip also featured among the better players in the strong win.
The Magpies will need to defeat Boolarra on Sunday to stay in the hunt.
Yinnar won an epic Thirds match, defeating Newborough by just four points, 7-10 (52) to 76 (48),
The Magpies will face off against Trafalgar for the chance to advance straight through to the grand final.
There will be no second chances for the Bulldogs when they take on Mirboo North in the first semi.
Yinnar were convincing winners in the Reserves, defeating Mirboo North 10-11 (71) to 3-8 (26).
The Magpies will meet Yallourn-Yallourn North in the second semi, while Newborough await the Tigers on Sunday.
Final at Yarragon
Saturday’s second semi finals will be played at Yarragon. Seniors: Trafalgar v Yinnar. Reserves: Yallourn-Yallourn North v Yinnar. Thirds: Trafalgar v Yinnar. Fourths: Trafalgar v Hill End.