2022 OPENCORP FINALS WEEK 1
SUNDAY 21 AUGUST
U17.5 BOYS DIVISION 1
First Elimination Final
Beaumaris 16.11.107 defeated. East Sandringham Rovers 3.4.22
In the first round of the 2022 finals, Beaumaris made it known that they’re a legit contender for the flag this year as they defeated East Sandringham in the first elimination at Boss James Reserve. The Sharks wasted no time this week, coming out the gates strong with an impressive five goals kicked in just the first quarter. This set the tone for the rest of the game, as another high scoring period set Beaumaris up with an impressive lead heading into the main break. The Rovers’ backline came out of halftime with a well-earned rest and did all they could to limit scoring opportunities for Beaumaris. However, as the margin grew and the Sharks became more comfortable, the Rovers ran out of steam and Beaumaris will now move on to the next round. At the front of the pack for the Sharks were three individual goal kickers, Oliver Goodger, Jett Butler and Calasher Dear that each kicked an impressive four goals.
First Qualifying Final
St Bedes/Mentone 3.7.25 defeated by St Peters Bulldogs 10.6.66
The two heavyweights of the Division 1 Under 17.5’s, St Bedes/Mentone and St Peters Bulldogs squared off once again at Boss James Reserve. St Bedes/Mentone brought the intensity from their last matchup with the Bulldogs, concluding the first quarter with a one goal lead. However, St Peters weren’t willing to give up the chance for a week off and fought back in the second period to secure a five-point lead before the main break. From halftime, the Bulldogs kicked it up a notch and came through with an impressive third quarter that stretched their margin further. The final period sealed the deal as St Peters nailed another three goals, booking their ticket to the 2022 Grand Final. The 41-point victory came off the back of Luke Lloyd’s standout performance up forward with four goals kicked.
U18 GIRLS DIVISION 1
First Elimination Final
St Kilda City 3.5.23 defeated Cheltenham 1.8.14
St Kilda City have edged out Cheltenham at Toorak Park in a close game, keeping it’s season alive. The first quarter of play had both teams struggle to make a huge impact on the scoreboard, with neither team chalking up a goal. With the intensity rising in the second period, St Kilda City edge ahead, but it was still anyone’s game as the Panthers trailed by only three points. However, the huddle at halftime did City some good as they entered the second half firing off another two goals, whilst Cheltenham were still looking for their first. Heart rates started to rise in the final period as the Panthers began to cover some ground, however the win was just out of reach as St Kilda City walk away victors with just a nine-point victory.
Second Elimination Final
Beaumaris 3.8.26 defeated St Bedes/Mentone Tigers 1.0.6
The second elimination final this weekend saw Beaumaris get the best of St Bedes/Mentone in a hard-fought matchup at EE Gunn Reserve. With a slow start for Beaumaris, they struggled to make an impact on the scoreboard in the first period, while the Tigers were getting off to a quick lead. Yet the Sharks did well in the second to restrict scoring opportunities for St Bedes, giving them a chance to close the gap and even snag a four-point lead heading into the main break. A quick rest was just what the Sharks needed as they came out strong in the second half, adding two goals to their margin. To close out the game Beaumaris continued to add to their lead and are now heading into the next round, off a twenty-point victory. Aimee Farrow had a great impact for the Sharks with a pair of goals.
First Qualifying Final
Mordialloc Braeside 10.13.73 defeated East Brighton Vampires 0.1.1
Mordi-Brae have earned a week off after punching their ticket straight through to the Grand Final after defeating East Brighton at Toorak Park. In a game that started with very few scoring opportunities and just an eight-point lead for the Mustangs at the half, it seemed as if an upset may be on the cards. However, coming out of the main break, Mordi-Brae started to get their game rolling, finishing the contest with a dominant final term, booting seven unanswered goals to storm home. Mia Sullivan and Charlotte Strom where the standout’s up forward for the Mustangs, with three goals apiece.
Second Qualifying Final
East Malvern Knights 7.11.53 defeated Prahran 2.1.13
East Malvern will meet Mordi-Brae in this year’s Under 18 Division 1 Girls Grand Final after recording a statement victory over Prahran at EE Gunn Reserve. East Malvern got off to a hot start, kicking things off with a few quick goals, with the game slowing down in the second quarter as the Knights to a 13-point lead into half time. But East Malvern showed it’s class after half time, with a five goal to zip third quarter setting up their eventual 40-point victory. East Malvern’s Rosie Finster had a final to remember, booting five goals for the Knights.
Written by Joel Micari.
