Corowa Under 18s will play Albury Tigers in the preliminary final this Sunday at North Albury following an excellent second half of football last Sunday against Wangaratta Rovers.
Down a goal at half-time, the Roos piled on eight goals four behinds (52 points) whilst holding the Hawks to a solitary point to achieve a most convincing victory of 44 points.
Corowa made their way to Wodonga last Sunday for their second knockout final. In what promised to be another great clash between two very evenly matched teams, the first half didn't disappoint, with the Rovers going in at half time 4.4.28 to 3.4.22, a six point lead.
The second half on the other hand was all one-way traffic, the Roos gaining momentum and outscoring the Rovers with a dominant 52 points to one point, to finish 11.8.74 to 4.6.30.
“At half-time, we weren’t disappointed,” co-coach George Sandral told The Free Press.
“We were playing alright but just couldn’t get the goals.
“The message at half-time was to just stay calm and stick to our game plan. In the second half we were able to get the game more efficient and effective. It was smoother for us going towards the goals and we got the goals.”
Best players included Under 16 Tom Forrest at centre-half-back, Jed Longmire, Paddy Lavis with five goals and Ryan Beveridge.
“It was a very good overall team effort,” Sandral said.
The Roos hope to have a full side for this Sunday’s clash.
“There’s some doubt about Finn Osborne with a little hamstring soreness,” the coach said.
Commenting on the clash with the Albury Tigers, Sandral said: “The boys are very excited. They have a belief in themselves and our game plan.”
Final Score
Corowa Rutherglen 2.2 3.4 6.7 11.8 (74)
Wangaratta Rovers 2.2 4.4 4.5 4.6 (30)
Goals: P. Lavis 5, R. Beveridge 2, J. Lewis, J. Longmire, M. Reid, F. Osborne 1
Best: T. Forrest, J. Longmire, P. Lavis, R. Beveridge, M. Bush, J. Johnstone