In a match with everything to play for and a double chance on the line, the East Coast Eagles could not match it with the Pennant Hills Demons. Pennant Hills have set the standard for the Eagles to match and now the Eagles will have come through the difficult position of fourth on the ladder to achieve the ultimate glory.
In what was a fairly even contest in the first half, the Demons blew the game open in the third quarter and outscored the Eagles by six goals to two and then backed that up with a five goal to two last quarter. The final score read Pennant Hills 16.17 (113) to East Coast 8.7 (55).
The Demons’ midfield controlled the stoppages and centre clearances all day and it was what coach Glenn Garner would have been looking for from his midfield. They had numbers around the football on most occasions and their team football was far superior on the day. It certainly will give the Eagles something to work on if they wish to turn it around come finals time.
Michael Johnston was a shining light on the day and has improved with every game as the season has gone on. Phil Entwisle, Rowan Bilkey and Damien Bowles also put in spirited performances.
The Eagles have one game against Western Suburbs to finish the season off before the finals and it is now up to every individual to do everything necessary to ensure that nothing is left to chance in preparation for the Magpies and then the first final. Things can turn around quickly in a week.
The Reserves showed why they are again the side everyone will have to beat to win the competition with a hard-fought 17-point victory. With scores level at half-time the Eagles dominated the third quarter and outscored Pennant Hills by six goals to one. The Eagles eventually ran out winners by 10.11 (71) to 8.6 (54).
David Griffith and Daniel Spiteri led the way and they were well supported by Steve O’Connor, Tim Kear and James Ford.
The Eagles have improved with each game in the lead-up to the finals and it will go into next week and the finals with much confidence.
The Premier Cup under-18s have slipped to fourth position on the ladder after two straight loses. After leading at quarter-time they were outplayed for the rest of the game and the Demons ran out winners by 10.10 (70) to 5.5 (35).
James Collis and Josh Shepherd gave their all over four quarters.
The team must now respond with hard work on the training track and ensure what has been a good season so far can be turned into a great one.
The last home and away game will be at home against Western Suburbs at Charles McLaughlin Reserve. The Challenge Cup start the day though against Pennant Hills at 8.15am then the Eagles and the Magpies clash in three games starting at 10.15am, followed by 12.15pm and the final game at 2.15pm.
