Finals week 2 match reports by Stephen Marson
Reserves:
Northcote Park has won through to the preliminary final against Eltham next Sunday after beating Heidelberg by 41 points in the semi final.
It was a very even first half, as the Cougars just managed to lead the Tigers by five points at the main break.
As Heidelberg were aided by the wind in the third quarter, it was up to the Cougars backline to stay strong and keep their side in the game.
They did just that, allowing just four goals to go into the final change down by five points.
Northcote Park came out of the blocks firing in the final term, as Rob Chadwick, Ben Callahan and Henry Mason all kicked two each to see the Cougars slam on six early goals, and put the game to bed.
They weren’t done yet, as Nik McNiece took mark of the day and kicked truly to cement their place in next weekend’s prelim final.
Seniors:
The season unfortunately ended for the Cougars on the weekend, as they were knocked out by Eltham in the semi final.
In what was a positive start for Northcote Park, the Cougars kicked the only three goals of the opening term to help themselves to a handy 17-point buffer at quarter time.
The Panthers clawed their way back into the match during the second term however, and trailed the green, white and gold by just seven at the main interval.
Northcote Park were unable to make the wind advantage count in the third term as they only managed two goals, and Eltham kicked two of their own to set themselves up for a strong finish.
Five goals to one from the Panthers in the final quarter was enough to confirm defeat for Northcote Park, who bow out of the premiership race after the 18-point loss.