| EAST GIPPSLAND NEWSPAPERS 18 EGFNL WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 Magpies swoop on reserves flag Lucknow has overcome a semi final hiccup to run out easy 46-point winners over Boisdale Briagolong in the reserves grand final. The match was played in near-perfect conditions, in contrast to the semi final where only four goals were kicked in tricky wind-dominated weather, all by the Bombers. The Magpies were out of the blocks early, goaling in the first 55 seconds, Damian Hodder on his return from a significant hamstring injury converting after receiving a free kick 30 metres out. Hodder and full forward Shaun Ryan (four goals) caused plenty of stress for the Bomber defenders all match, but particularly in the first term where they finished off the good work of midfielders Tim Coxhill, William Siania, Jack Kennedy, Tyron Turner and James Sanford, who were active at the feet of giant ruckman Scott Joustra and his courageous opponent, Brett Hudson. Experienced Bomber Shaun Bates, who captained the club for several years, got plenty of the football early, but lacked consistent help. The first term was reserves football at its very best as the sides kicked eight goals before the match became the customary slog, with only 12 majors kicked. Ryan kicked his first at the five-minute mark, marking strongly after Kennedy ran through the middle and hit him up. Luke Pratt got the Bombers off the mark shortly after kicking truly from short range. Hodder nailed his second as Brock Smith and Josh Carroll were creating targets across half forward as part of the build up. Ryan marked strongly again and converted to make it a three-goal advantage. Bomber journeyman Josh Neille found Luke Pratt and he kicked his second to reduce the margin to 12 points. Ryan showed he was just as adept at ground level, dribbling one through thanks to some Khai Collins magic, and the margin was out to 20 points. Cal Hennig struck back for the Bombers as the siren loomed, narrowing the margin to just 14 points. Both sides showing signs of distress as they went to their respective huddles after an intense and fast-paced first term in hot conditions. Hennig's major would be the last goal for the day for the Bombers, The Magpies dominated the second term, but couldn't convert, Kennedy kicking the only major 18 minutes into the term. Boisdale Briagolong was kept scoreless as Lucknow's lead worked out to 27 points, courtesy of seven behinds, that they hoped wouldn't comeback and haunt them. Bomber designated kicker Jason Langshaw struggled to hit a target as the ball continued to comeback with interest. Daniel Gledhill Andrew Papp, Leigh Stephenson and spiritual leader Luke Belfrage were all outstanding in defence, denying the Bomber forwards, led by competition best and fairest and leading goalkicker, Danny Pratt, any space or opportunities. Pratt had a dirty day, gaining only two possessions and not troubling the scoresheet. The third quarter was played between the arcs, Lucknow adding two behinds to take their lead to 29, the Bombers still unable to get past Belfrage and his mates. Coxhill, Kennedy and Sanford racked up the disposals through the middle, while Carroll was having a field day at centre half forward. Hudson, Ben Missen, Hennig, Kaine Allen, Langshaw and Ben Bould all worked hard for the Bombers to stem the tide as the inside 50s continued to mount. Lucknow coach Chris Johnson encouraged his side to be smart with the football in the final term as with the lead they had accumulated they could afford to play the game on their terms. That's exactly what they did, kicking three goals in the first nine minutes of the final quarter to put any chance of an unlikely Bomber comeback to rest. Ryan goaled early, before Collins marked at 55, sold some candy and kicked truly from 45 metres, adding further insult to an already downcast Bomber outfit. Hodder went down with cramp, but his job was done, a successful return, the cramp justifying his non-selection in the seniors. Coxhill, who was adjudged best afield, Turner, Sanford and Carroll continued to rack up the numbers, the later kicking the final goal, as the Magpies went into party mood. Lucknow was the dominant side in the home and away season, losing only once, semi final redemption a fitting result for a near perfect season. FINAL SCORES Lucknow 5.2 6.9 6.11 9.12 (66) Bois Briag 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.2 (20) GOALS – Lucknow: S. Ryan 4; D. Hodder 2; J. Carroll, K. Collins, J. Kennedy. Bois Briag: L. Pratt 2; C. Hennig. BEST – Lucknow: T. Coxhill, W. Siania, L. Belfrage, S. Joustra, S. Ryan, D. Hodder. Bois Briag: B. Hudson, L. Pratt, B. Missen, C. Hennig, S. Bates, B. Bould. Lucknow’s Brock Smith crashed through Boisdale Briagolong veteran Jason Langshaw in an attempt to mark during the Magpies’ 46-point reserves grand final victory. K134-882 Roy Siania frees his arms to handball. K134-601 Damian Hodder was excellent in his return from a hamstring injury. K134-605 Best-on-ground Tim Coxhill. K134-882 EN25366 ✓ Stockfeed ✓ Pet Supplies ✓ Animal Supplements ✓ Elgas ✓ Rural Hardware ✓ Wide Span Sheds FOR EITHER THE HOME OR FARM WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED! PH: 5152 3093 | 157 Macleod Street, Bairnsdale
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