By Pat Kerin
The Coota Blues have advanced to the grand final after their 53 pts. win over the Southern Cats in the major semi-final of AFL Canberra Regional Grade played at Clarke Oval on Saturday.
Playing at home in front of a healthy crowd for the first time since the 29 June, the Blues were emphatic booting 12-9-81 to 4-4-28.
The Blues were dominating in the second and third quarter booting 9-4 to to the Cats one solitary goal.
The win by the Blues sees them move into the grand final on Saturday 31 August at Queanbeyan against the winner of the preliminary of the Southern Cats and Belconnen, which will be played at Football Park next Saturday.
The Blues had many winners across the ground and none played better than ruckman Sam Baldock. The 21 year old completely dominated the ruck duels. The Cats tried three different ruckman on Baldock, but the youngster dominated the whole three and thus played his best match of the season.
Coach Luke Webb, although missing his first three shots at goal, finished as the most dominate forward in the match booting three goals.
Down back, Blake Basham showed his silky skills with a number of well-timed marks and kicks.
On baller Dylan McDermott who missed the final round match against Yass, was again back to brilliant best.
Youngsters James Collingridge and Will Ormond played their best game of the season. Collingridge booted superb goal from 40 minutes out in the second quarter while Ormond dominated the backline in the final quartier with strong hard running.
A good spread of goal kickers across the ground with eight players sharing the Blues 12 goal haul.
Best: Sam Baldock, Luke Webb, Dylan McDermott, Phil Bird, Blake Basham and Joel Pearson.
Goals: Luke Webb 3 James Thornhill, 2 Sandy Madskell Knight 2, James Collingridge, Scott Mazzocchi, Phil Bird, Zac Oliver and Tom Brody.
In Sunday’s Elimination semi-final, Belconnen proved too strong for Goulburn. The Magpies booted 19-9-123 to the Swans 2-5-17.
In the opening match at Clarke Oval on Saturday,. the women’s major semi-final, Queanbeyan who finished second on the ladder upset the minor premiers the Riverina Lions by 13 pts. 5-3-33 to 3-2 20.
The Tigers set up victory in the second quarter booting four of their five goals.
