Liam Durkin
LUCKNOW crashed out of the East Gippsland football finals after losing to Wy Yung by 39 points in Sunday’s first semi-final.
The Magpies failed to fire a shot after quarter-time, going down 11.6 (72) to 4.9 (33).
Having put together seven wins from its past eight games, Lucknow would have felt confident its form running into the finals would stack-up. However, Wy Yung, which had occupied third spot on the ladder for the majority of the regular season, took the game away from the Magpies, who were always kept at arm’s length after the opening term.
The match began with usual finals nerves, as players from both teams fought desperately to give their team the advantage.
As the siren sounded to end the first quarter, Lucknow held a slender one-point lead. It was to be the only joy the Magpies had in the match, as the Tigers responded in the second quarter by kicking four goals to take a 23-point lead into the main break. A further two goals to Wy Yung in the third term extended the margin to 29 points by the final break, as the Magpies were left searching for answers.
By three-quarter-time, Lucknow only had two goals on the board and was slowly seeing its season unravel before its eyes.
The Tigers shut the game out with an unrelenting final term, kicking four goals to put the game beyond doubt.
Some consolidation goals to Lucknow when the game was over did little to lift the spirits of supporters and players, who would have been thinking of their Mad Monday outfit as the game drew closer to its end.
Liam Rooney was best-on-ground for Wy Yung, with his three goals having a big say in the result. Similarly, Luke Elia was also productive for the Tigers, and chipped in with three majors of his own.
Other to perform well were Marcus Savage, Shaun Mooney, Robert Brick and Lloyd Powell.
Lucknow found honest contributions from Andrew Nelson, Joel McNamara, Jacob Green, Dion Grace, Damien Hodder and Reuben O’Brien.
Wy Yung will now have a chance to freshen up with a week’s rest before playing the loser of Saturday’s second semi-final between Lindenow and Boisdale-Briagolong for a place in the grand final.
IT was better news for Lucknow in the reserves, as it defeated Lakes Entrance 7.13 (55) to 5.2 (32).
The Magpies led from start to finish, but were made to work hard after only leading by 14 points at the main break.
Atley Williams kicked two goals for Lucknow in a best-on-ground display.
WY Yung defeated Lindenow in the under 18s, 7.6 (48) to 4.6 (30).
The Tigers set-up their victory with a dominant display across the first three quarters. Wy Yung led by 39 points at three-quarter-time and, despite not scoring in the fourth, was able to claim victory by 18 points.
Saturday at Bairnsdale City Oval:
Seniors: Lindenow v Boisdale-Briagolong, 2.15pm.
Reserves: Boisdale-Briagolong v Lindenow, 12.20pm.
Under 17s: Lakes Entrance v Orbost-Snowy Rovers, 10.30am.
