THE Ovens and King Alpine Eagles easily accounted for Bonnie Doon at the weekend to set up a mouth-watering clash with Benalla All Blacks for a grand final birth this Saturday.
Alpine never looked like losing in the qualifying final clash against the Doon Dogs, running out 134-point victors.
In what was a brilliant team performance from the youngsters, coach David McKinnon said the conditions suited his side.
"Bonnie Doon were alright, they put up a good fight, but our guys were too good in the end," he said.
"Mitch Dalbosco, Jesse Thomson and Rhys Andreatta were fantastic for us, but it was a good effort from all the boys out there.
"The dry conditions really suited us because we're a quick side, our boys could play their style of game."
The hard working Eagles ran their opponents into the ground kicking 10 goals in the final term.
Once again the side had an even spread of goal kickers for the day, with Jai Dykstra leading the charge with four majors, while Dalbosco, Drew Carrigg and Ray Chula booted three.
At the other end of the ground, the defence kept the Doon Dogs to just five scoring shots for the match.
Nathan Smith and Ryan Sunderland were terrific, while the engine room never stopped with Sam Davie and Steven Pack two of the main contributors in the middle of the ground.
Now turning its attention to this weekend's clash with Benalla, McKinnon said his side was looking forward to the challenge at hand.
The All Blacks have only lost one game, which was by a point when the two sides last met in the home and away season.
They hold a 3-1 advantage over Alpine so far in 2011.
"We're definitely the underdogs," McKinnon said.
"We had some OandM players in the last time we played them, but there's definitely no reason why we can't beat them again," McKinnon said.
"They're a big bodied side who are suited to the wet, whereas our guys are light on and like racehorses, so we'll be hoping for some dry weather footy."
The two sides meet at Tarrawingee on Saturday morning, with the match set to kick off at 10am.
The reserves semi final between Whorouly and Greta will follow at noon before the senior match between Benalla and King Valley gets under way at 2.15pm.
Meanwhile, this Saturday evening the United Bright Football Club will be hosting its end of season presentation night.
The event kicks off at 6.30pm at the Star Hotel, Bright.
Tickets cost $25 and need to be purchased before the event from Alexander's First National Real Estate.
BY - ALEX BAIRD.
To see the full story, see printed edition of this paper (subscribe today)
READY TO GO: Alpine Eagles stars Steven Pack, Drew Carrigg and Jason Higgs are looking forward to taking on minor premier Benalla this Saturday.
|
Last Modified on 31/08/2011 20:01