AT THE height of a hot afternoon yesterday Tyntynder took on Kerang in the last of the Central Murray Football Netball League A grade elimination finals.
The Blues were looking strong against the Bulldogs, with the teams tied early in the first quarter and holding up an impressive line of defense.
But they quickly came undone as the more experienced Bulldogs struck early, leading by two goals at the first change.
Despite this confident start to the second quarter following a dramatic opening, the feisty Bulldogs lost their lead to the brave Blues who weren’t going down without fight. The result was far from decided at half-time.
The third quarter began a fight to the death as the two teams struggled in the heat of the day to strike out ahead and claim a confident place before the final whistle.
It was hard to say what would happen as the Blues had the rug pulled from under them in a series of strategic manouvres from the Bulldogs.
Living up to their name, the Bulldogs came out ahead 30-23 in a triumphant return to form by the close of an exhilarating third quarter, shattering the Blues’ confidence.
As the countdown was on it was a case of bated breath for Tyntynder fans and slowly sinking hearts for Kerang’s loyal supporters as the Dogs out-ran their opponents to record a 39-35 win.
The Bulldogs will have to think fast when they take on yesterday’s defeated qualifying finalists Tooleybuc Manangatang, who only just lost to Woorinen.
It could be yet another nail-biting finish between these two, who have only improved over the season, challenging reigning premiers Swan Hill and putting Woorinen through its paces.
In yesterday’s other senior elimination finals, Lake Boga was ahead of Tooleybuc Manangatang for three quarters of the A reserve game, only to have their hopes dashed in extra time by seven points.
It would have been a devastating defeat for Lake Boga who had played a superior game until those final moments.
The B grade encounter saw Woorinen record a convincing win over Kerang, 48-22.
