With the order of teams for the AFL Sydney Premier League finals series already locked in, the outcome of matches in the last home and away round on Saturday meant nothing in terms of results.

However for some, there were bragging rights.  Which was the case at Ern Holmes Oval when the East Coast Eagles took on Pennant Hills to compete for the coveted Warren “Pops” Quintrell Shield.

This match took on further significance for the Pennant Hills Club as it was to be the last ever match played at the ground which had been their home for more than 35 years.  From 2011 onwards, the Demons home ground will be at Mike Kenny Oval in Cherrybrook. The fact that arch rivals East Coast Eagles would be their opponents increased the anticipation for supporters of both sides. Pennant Hills wanted to win their last ever home game at “The Ern” and the Eagles definitely wanted to spoil the party.

However, in a highly entertaining game, the lower ranked “Penno” eventually took the honours by 27 points. The Demons took an early lead with the first two goals and were not to surrender that advantage all day. At half-time it looked as though they would win going away, but a terrific six goal third quarter from the Eagles saw the margin reduced to just 13 points at the final break. The scene was set for an epic last quarter.

And it was, with East Coast creeping to within one kick, but the never say die determination of a side playing its last game at their spiritual home saw Pennant Hills kick three late goals in the final dying minutes to make the margin bigger than what the game deserved. The better side won, but it certainly set up a classic encounter should these two teams meet in the finals.

Once again, for the fifth time in almost as many matches, 19-year-old Daniel Spiteri was best on the ground for the Eagles. His form going into the finals is explosive and he will be a key component of the East Coast game plan in their quest for back to back premierships.

The Eagles take on Western Suburbs in the qualifying final at Blacktown Olympic Park next Saturday, August 28 at 2.15pm. East Coast will welcome back a myriad of players who were given the opportunity to rest niggling injuries in the final minor round game. Each side has beaten the other once during the season and a classic match will be assured.

Pennant Hills 5.3 9.6 11.9 15.14 (104)
East Coast   3.1 4.1 10.2 12.5 (77)

Goalkickers: Mark Goodey 4, Ben Physick 2, Jon Vlatko, Jamie Vlatko, Ben Rogers, Luke McLeod, Steve O’Connor, Daniel Spiteri

Best players: Daniel Spiteri, Damien Bowles, Ryan Fitton, Mike Beardsley, Mark Goodey, Kristian Pearson

Division One finished off their season with a 36-point loss to Pennant Hills.  For the first time since 2001, this side will not be playing finals football. In each of the last eight years they have always played in at least the preliminary final and their record of four premierships and twice runners up will certainly stand the test of time for many years to come.  A quiet drink at the Tavern on Sunday caused many to reflect upon a golden era indeed.

Pennant Hills  2.0 4.4 8.5 10.9 (69)
East Coast    3.2 3.3 4.3 5.3 (33)

Goalkickers: Tim Physick 3, Jason Duss, James Ford

Best players:  David Clinch, Tim Coakley, Matt Bailey, Tim Physick, Blake Jones, Matt Power

At Division Three level this fledgling side finished off its best season since the Club decided to enter a third senior side in 2009. Seven wins for the season was probably a few less then coach Sean Streat would have liked, but I’m sure he will take that as a significant sign of improvement. Inaccurate kicking for goal was the only reason for their defeat on Saturday.

Pennant Hills  2.0 3.3 5.4 9.4 (58)
East Coast    1.7 4.8 5.12 5.13 (43)

Goalkickers: Phil Ragno 3, James Ford, Tim Kear
Best players:  Josh Lawrence, Liam Madden, Brent Trewin, Chad Herbert, Chris Wynne, David Barker

The U/18 Premier Cup side under Peter Steer’s tutelage now have every opportunity to make up for last year’s disappointing exit in the finals. They have finished top of the ladder by virtue of their tough victory over Pennant Hills on Saturday by three points. Thus earning the week off to await who they play in the second semi-final at Bruce Purser Reserve on Saturday, September 4. It will be either Sydney Uni or North Shore.

It has been an excellent season for these Colts and their recent form will stand them in good stead for the run through the finals in 2010.

Pennant Hills  0.1  2.4 4.7 5.10 (40)
East Coast    1.4 2.7 4.10 5.13 (43)

Goalkickers: Matthew Newson 2, Nathan Campbell, Michael Nance, Daniel Lim

Best players:  Chris Polkinghorne, Aaron Savage, Dean Costello, Martin Karafilis, Jesse Clark, Michael Clinch

Ryan Madden’s U/18 Challenge Cup boys just missed out on a victory to end their 2010 season. Mac Uni proving to be too good in the end by nine points.

Macquarie Uni 0.1  2.3 2.7 4.12 (38)
East Coast    2.0 2.0 2.2 4.5 (29)

Goalkickers: Daniel Claxton, Adam Hutt, Matthew Goldsworthy, Taylor Blackstock
Best players:  James McCumiskey, Allan Leabeater, Thomas Streat, Stephen Tumminello, Daniel Claxton, Jye Hines

EXTRAVAGANZA

Premier Division
Best:  Daniel Spiteri owned by Pete Physick  $210.00
First free: Ryan Fitton owned by Hangan / Ure syndicate $45.00

Division One
Best:  James Collis owned by Greg Bell   $105.00
First free: Matt Power owned by Michael Sankey  $45.00

Division Three
Best:  Josh Lawrence owned by Maree Gawley  $45.00

NEXT WEEK’S MATCHES - Saturday, August 28, 2010

The only match involving the Eagles next week is the qualifying final in Premier Division when East Coast clash with Western Suburbs at 2.15pm at Blacktown Olympic Park on Saturday, August 28.  The winner will qualify to meet Sydney Uni at Bruce Purser Reserve on September 4 in the second semi-final, whilst the loser will have one more chance to stay in the finals race when they meet the winner of Sunday’s elimination final between North Shore and Pennant Hills. 
The Eagles’ U/18 Premier Cup boys will play their next match at Bruce Purser on September 4 in the second semi-final.