By JARROD POTTER
SPRAYING their chance to advance, Noble Park Premier 1 team failed to find the big sticks in its 24-point South East Juniors semi-final loss to Beaconsfield.
Noble Park’s effort was apparent on the scoreboard as the Bulls errantly kicked 2.14 (26) to Beaconsfield’s 7.8 (50).
Only two scoring shots were needed by Beaconsfield – both booted by Bailey Morrish – to move ahead of Noble Park in the first term. Noble Park’s coach Adrian Marson implored his group at the quarter time huddle to ‘start thinking’ and not just blaze away through the middle once they earned the ball.
It was advice that fell on deaf ears as the Bulls squandered chances and left the door open for Beaconsfield to kick three of their own in the second term.
Jake Nicholson, Zac Stewart and captain Dan Coinu kicked the Eagles ahead as the quick-feet of Kade Lynch, Daniel Brown and Stewart flew across the field to out-speed the Bulls.
The Bulls only found the goals half-way through the third term as Nathan Tarca found himself over the back of the pack and soccered through the Noble Park goal-account opener.
The Bulls opened up in the final term to kick another four behinds, but had all the play across the quarter as the Eagles were content after creating a handy lead before packing up for the day a little too early.
For the Bulls, captain Jordan Marson led the way along with Sultan Taniwal and Tarca.
Noble Park coach Adrian Marson said the kicking let the Bulls down severely, but signs were positive despite the loss.
“You’ve got to kick straight to win a game of finals, but I thought our pressure was good,” Marson said.
“Great game of footy by both sides and they took the most of their opportunities.
“Our backline was pretty good and I thought our body pressure and tackling was strong – second and third efforts – both sides tackle, run and spread really well.
“We won’t look too far forward, but we’ve got Berwick next week and concentrate on Berwick and hope we get another crack at Beaconsfield the following week.
Noble Park faces Berwick in the preliminary final for a chance to play off against Beaconsfield for the premiership.
NOBLE PARK under-13s advanced to the grand final after a rousing six-point win over Narre Warren.
Led by captain Jayuden Camilleri – who kicked a goal as well as majors from Jericho Jimenez, Henry Vu and Dakotah Binney – Noble Park stormed to the front in the first term and held on despite the best efforts of Narre Warren at Holm Park Reserve 2.
Coach Travis Lee had lost his voice from cheering and left it to assistant coach Nathan Kriening to talk about how great it was to make the grand final.
“That is an amazing feeling – amazing and we’re really happy and really impressed,” Kriening said.
“They dug deep in that fourth quarter and sent the runner out to a couple of them and said ‘dig deep’ and they really lifted.
“First time into the grand final for a lot of the boys so we’re very excited.”
Noble Park will face either Narre Warren or Fountain Gate in the grand final.
The Bulls’ under-12s team in Division 3 knocked off Kooweerup 3.8 (26) to 3.3 (21) following goals from Cody Pinkerton, Peter Marko and Austinn Spicer. Best afield was Randy Le, while Marko, Mankirat Singh and Damla Gonullu also impressed.
Noble Park’s under-11s had their grand final dreams cut down by Narre South Lions 2.2 (14) to 4.2 (26).
PARKMORE PIRATES
Parkmore under-14s smashed Lyndhurst Redbacks to advance to the Division 3 preliminary final against Pakenham. Declan Mcbean (four goals), Jason Fassott (three goals ) and Riley Barnes (two goals) starred for the Pirates as the Greater Dandenong based team ran out 10.16 (76) winners to Lyndhurst’s 1.3 (9).
