There were two big upsets in the semi-finals of the Ararat District Junior Football Association on Sunday, with two unexpected results.
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As the old saying goes, anything can happen in finals at that certainly proved true at the weekend.
The first semi-final between the third-placed Rovers and fourth-placed Bombers was an elimination final, with the winner to progress to the preliminary final and the loser’s season ending.
Despite finishing at the bottom of the ladder with just two wins for the season, it was the Bombers who made the best start, kicking one goal from 10 scoring shots to lead by 15 points at the first break.
The Rovers hit back in the second term to trail by just three at half-time.
The match went all the Bombers’ way in the second half though, going on to win 11.15 (81) to 5.7 (37) in a big upset win.
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Harrison McLaren kicked five majors for the Bombers while Xavier McLoughlan was best on ground for the winning side. Sonny Kettle kicked two goals as the Rovers’ best.
The second semi-final between the top-placed Warriors and second-placed Mounties also did not go to script.
It was a tight first term before the Mounties got on top in the second quarter to lead by 25 points at half-time.
The Warriors clawed their way back but the deficit was too large, falling short 4.4 (28) to 2.3 (15). It was just the third loss of the season for the Warriors.
Floyd Burmeister was best on for the Mounties while Jim Jennings kicked two goals as best on ground for the Warriors.
The Warriors and Bombers will face off in the preliminary final this Sunday, with the winner to take on the Mounties on Sunday, August 19.
ADJFA finals results – week one
Elimination final
Rovers: 0.0 1.6 1.6 5.7 (37)
Bombers: 1.9 1.9 6.13 11.15 (81)
Goals
Rovers: S Kettle 2, P Smith, C Summers, R Pevitt
Bombers: H Mclaren 5, B Weppner 3, R Jenkins, X McLoughlan, D Conboy
Best
Rovers: S Kettle, J Cann, D Woodfine, R Kalluri, C Summers, S Pett
Bombers: X McLoughlan, H Mclaren, B Weppner, D Conboy, S Phillips, G Fennell
Qualifying final
Warriors: 0.2 0.2 2.3 2.3 (15)
Mounties: 0.2 4.3 4.3 4.4 (28)
Goals
Warriors: J Jennings 2
Mounties: B Parry, H Dowling, S Ralph, W Shea
Best
Warriors: J Jennings, I Turner, C Leishman, J Baldock, K Herbert, S Leishman
Mounties: F Burmeister, E Fenn, W Jeffery, R McAdie, W Leggett, W Chamings
