Gungahlin put a disjointed Yass Roos side to the sword in Saturday’s major semi-final at Ainslie Oval.
After leading at every change, the Roos were mowed down by a resilient Gungahlin Jets outfit hungry for premiership glory. Much to the delight of the parochial crowd, the Jets proved far too strong in the final stanza, recording an eight-point win to stamp their authority on the final series.
It’s not all gloom and doom for the Roos however, who will meet third-placed Belconnen Magpies, with both sides vying for the right to meet Gungahlin in the grand final.
By the end of the first quarter, the Roos had asserted their early dominance with an impressive display. The scoreline of 3.4.22 to 2.1.13 was not a fair indication of Yass’ dominance. Chris Dawe and Ben McCallum kicked first quarter goals to kick-start the Roos day.
Gungahlin stood-up in the second quarter, placing unfamiliar pressure on the minor premiers. Yass appeared to have the answers however, kicking a further three goals to maintain their nine-point lead at the main break.
At half-time, there was no indication of the onslaught the Roos were about to receive. Gungahlin would have been pleased with the narrow half-time deficit, as their opponents, the Roos, clearly had the better of the first 50 minutes and could have held a stronger advantage.
Spectators witnessed a scrappy third term as Gungahlin began to peg back the Roos accedancy. Captain Leigh French steadied the ship with a soothing goal and Yass appeared set to take yet another nine-point lead to the break.
The Jets struck a major blow however, kicking a much-needed goal after the three-quarter time siren. Both teams headed to the final huddle fully aware of the tight contest unfolding.
Momentum ebbed and flowed as both sides threw themselves at the football. The Roos, however, appeared to respond poorly to the Jets persistent urge to win the footy.
With a little over five minutes remaining, Daniel Poidevin’s individual brilliance stretched the Roos’ lead out to seven points with a phenomenal goal from a tight angle. Poidevin soccered a ball off the ground only centimetres from the boundary line and watched in amazement as the ball rolled through the sticks.
Gungahlin rallied, kicking two further goals to steal the lead and the match 9.12.66 to 8.10.58.
Ben Scroope produced a mighty performance for Yass, constantly putting Gungahlin under the pump. Inform forward Ben McCallum put in another fine display, as did Ben Serafin, Dave Brown, Daniel Smith and Dave Willersdorf.
By full-time however, there was no question as to who was the better side. The Jets overran the Roos in the final term, placing unfounded pressure on Yass, something the Roos failed to handle properly. Gungahlin advance to the grand final and thoroughly deserve to do so.
This week, the Roos will come face-to-face with the Belconnen Magpies, a side they beat by 37-points in round 5. There will be no second chances however, and the Roos will need to improve drastically at Manuka Oval on Saturday if they wish to have a rematch with Gungahlin on grand final day.
***
Gungahlin Jets 9.12.66 [J Walsh 3, D Bryce 2, D Jean, A Hill, G Mace, O Gregory
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