Industrials reserves bow out

Despite being one of the dominant teams in the competition, Warragul Industrials have bowed out of the race in the Ellinbank District Football League reserves.

The Industrials, who had entered the match with just two losses to ladder leaders Longwarry, ran into an Ellinbank side that has been on the charge in this finals series.

Assisted by some missed opportunities from the Industrials, who returned 2-5 in the opening stanza, Ellinbank entered the first break leading by the slimmest of margins.

From there the Eagles were able to kick away, booting eight of the next 10 goals to stun the opposition and open what would prove an unassailable 37-point lead at the final change.

The Industrials fought out the game bravely, booting three of the final four goals, but it wasn’t enough as the Eagles held on to win 12-4 (76) to 7-11 (53).

James Scammell booted five goals for Ellinbank, while Toby Wallace chipped in with three majors.

Mark Johnson, Jayson Barwick, Ashley Scott and Chris Gardiner also led Ellinbank to victory.

Shane Ingham kicked three goals for the Industrials, while Sam Davies, Josh O’Brien, Brent Kimm and Nelson Minichiello also led a final quarter fightback.

Ellinbank will also enter the grand final with underdog status, meeting a Longwarry side that has dropped the points just once this season.

Warragul Industrials player Zac O’Hara breaks away from the pack.

Ellinbank’s Dylan Armour and WarragulIndustrials player Scott Blaney fly for the ball; Photographs: Michael Robinson.

Ellinbank’s James Scammell clears a leaping Mathew Willis for one of his five goals.

Ellinbank’s Chris Gardiner wins the tap over Warragul Industrials player Sam Davies.

Ellinbank’s Ben Drew looks for a passing option under pressure.

Warragul Industrials player Tom Commaduer attempts to get a handball away.

Ellinbank’s Mark Johnson flies in front of his teammate to mark during the Reserves preliminary final against Warragul Industrials.

Ellinbank’s Jayson Barwick kicks from the wing.