By Marcus Uhe
A stunning fightback from Beaconsfield saw the Eagles draw the curtains on Olinda Ferny Creek’s attempts to secure back-to-back A-Grade premierships with a one-goal victory at Kalora Park.
The Bloods led by five goals at the long break, having outscored the Eagles 14-8 in the second term.
But Beaconsfield weren’t to be denied, an 11-7 third term setting up a thrilling finish in the cut-throat contest.
Olinda Ferny Creek scored the first two goals of the final quarter but couldn’t stretch its lead beyond three at any stage, with a desperate Beaconsfield outfit determined to play for at least another week.
The Eagles tied the scores at 34 but conceded the next three, as the Bloods’ rebounding came to the fore, Taylah Werner shouldered the scoring load with Hayley Howard spending time on the bench.
The Eagles got great drive from Millicent Utber at Wing Attack, and clawed their way back to tie the scores at 39.
Elizabeth Murphy missed a chance to level the scores, but was quick to secure the rebound and nailed the second opportunity.
The next four goals were goal-for-goal, the Bloods scoring first but Beaconsfield continuing to respond.
A crucial penalty at a centre pass against Olinda Ferny Creek with the scores tied at 41 gave Beaconsfield possession with less than a minute on the clock, where Murphy held her nerve to put her Eagles ahead.
Aware of the clock, the Eagles managed to find free players and milk the dying stages to deny the Bloods the ball, sparking emotional celebrations from those in blue and gold.
Murphy finished with 34 goals while her compatriot at the other end of the court in Hayley Howard could only contribute 24.
The Eagles will face Mt Evelyn next week, overpowered by Wandin in the qualifying final 57-48.
Wandin made its move in the second term with an 18-10 quarter to hold a seven-point advantage at half time.
They stretched the lead to 10 at the final break with a 16-13 quarter and held Mt Evelyn at arms-length for the final term.
Wandin and Narre Warren will play-off next week with a spot in the A-Grade grand final up for grabs.
