THE Alpine Eagles are the first side to book a spot in the Ovens and King Football League's under 18 grand final after a nail biting eight-point victory over Benalla at the weekend.
The competition's top two sides headed into the second semi final with somewhat unconvincing form, having both dropped a match in recent weeks, but with the finals arriving at last it was time to step up the intensity.
A poor start to the game meant the Eagles had to claw their way back into the contest after trailing by 22 points at the first change, but they responded well to close the margin to a goal at half time.
After the main break they lifted and led by the likes of Damien Jenvey in the middle, Nathan Smith in defence and Darcy Martin in attack, Alpine took the lead for the first time.
But for inaccuracy, the Eagles would have been further ahead at three quarter time, leading 9.12 (66) to 9.2 (56).
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SPECCY: Alpine's Nathan Smith flew high before taking a spectacular grab in the Eagles' win over Benalla.
Last Modified on 13/09/2012 08:51