It wasn’t all plain sailing for Cranbourne as Aaron Bower attempts to run away from Callum Rutherford. 70586 Pictures: Donna OatesBerwick under-18 coach Robert Johns called for long and direct footy from his troops at three-quarter time. 70586
By Mark Gullick
RESERVES
CRANBOURNE finally shook a determined Pakenham in the third term en route to a 37-point victory.
The Eagles benefited from the return of senior regular Michael Theodoridis, who kicked seven goals before severely injuring himself during the third term.
Theodoridis proved the difference during that period with his forward finishing a genuine highlight.
The first-half was a tough scrap, with each team bringing a physical psyche into the match.
Cranbourne’s two-point, half-time lead was quickly increased after the Eagles piled on five successive goals before Pakenham kicked a late major to reduce its deficit to 20 points.
The Eagles booted the only three goals of the final term to win comfortably.
Veteran Troy Allan led Cranbourne with a composed display, while big man Ben Forsyth, promising youngster Arun Elysee, the seasoned Troy Datson and classy Daniel Baker were key performers.
Pakenham’s better players were the consistent Alan Benis and Sean Bell, coach Chad Shooter, prime mover Aaron Gray, winger Damian Talbot and the hard-running Stephen Morey. UNDER 18
BERWICK ousted a wasteful Cranbourne by 46 points to book the final spot in the Under 18s Grand Final.
A seven-goal opening term gave the Wickers a lead they never relinquished.
Berwick held four goal margins at the first and second break before Cranbourne hit back in the third term.
The Eagles continually moved the ball forward, but their goalkicking and decision making in front of goal was poor as shots were rushed and skills were off-target.
Berwick defended superbly and were able to make the most of its limited chances booting four goals to two for the term.
The Wickers surged home in the final term, with five goals to two to finish with a big win.
Berwick’s better players were full-back Ben Pickering, gun forward Mitch Johnson (six goals), key defender Jayden Joyce, utility Bryce Rutherford, small defender Clay Tharle and the consistent Jack Opteynde.
Jackson Parker, Jordan Andrews and James Phillips contributed three goals apiece.
Dual George Gilmore medalist Brad Hermans led Cranbourne with a classy, hard-running midfield display, while emerging key forwards Matthew Weller and Anthony Vella, onballers Lucas Barker and Jordan Shiels and defender Dylan Kenyon were solid.
