Kerang earned redemption after claiming the Central Murray reserves premiership with a 33-point win over a gallant Lake Boga.
The Blues led from midway through the first quarter and were never headed, despite not putting the Magpies away until the last quarter.
After Kerang’s shock two-point loss to Woorinen in last year’s decider, the Blues marched through this season unbeaten and capped a dominant season with a 11.6 (72) to 5.9 (39) win.
It also ended Lake Boga’s remarkable finals run, after the Magpies finished fourth on the home-and-away ladder and came from the elimination final.
While Kerang were the better side across four quarters, Lake Boga will rue several missed opportunities, especially in the first half, where they kicked an inaccurate 2.6, including a couple of gilt-edged chances dead in front.
Those misses allowed Kerang to take a 14-point lead into half-time, and they kicked six goals to three in the second half to kick clear of the Magpies.
Michael Runciman made up for his disappointment of being dropped from the side for the preliminary final, with the key forward kicking a match winning six goals.
Runciman was the only multiple goal scorer for the match and was unstoppable deep forward for Kerang, with his performance earning him best on ground honours.
Jordan McNeil was another strong contributor for the Blues, along with Rylee Gitsham, Cody Makeham, Jotham Higgs and Ethan McKnight in a full team performance from the premiers.
Cody Tuohey showed why he won the Central Murray’s reserves best and fairest with his class around the ball a feature for the Blues, while Tobie Richardson, who was runner-up to Tuohey, was among Lake Boga’s better players.
Xander Hartland also played well for the Pies, along with Nelson Ibbs, Kyle Brawn, Brody Palmer and Adam Quigley, who spent time both forward and in defence for the Magpies.
FINAL SIREN
| Kerang | 2.1 | 5.2 | 7.5 | 11.6 | 72 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Boga | 1.3 | 2.6 | 3.8 | 5.9 | 39 |
