Culcairn have advanced to a preliminary final showdown with BB Saints, after completing dominating Jindera in last Sundays first semi final, winning by 54 points.
The Lions led by a magnificent performance from Coach Luke Donan, who kicked six goals in a best on ground showing are now looming as a major threat to favorites Howlong.
Apart from Jindera kicking the first goal of the game the Lions were never threatened and brushed aside some at times undisciplined play from Jindera to advance to its third straight prelim final.
Leigh Baker and the Schulz boys Ben and Sam starred in the midfield, along with Lachie Hutchins. Travis Gardiner and Drew Mortlock were solid in defence.
Jindera could only manage a single goal in each quarter. Trent Castles with two goals and the Garland brothers Kade and Brett had little or no influence on the match.
Kade Duel, Brett Wightman and James Barlee were tireless workers for the Bulldogs, while skipper Aaron Lezius and Scott Freeman tried hard against huge odds.
The Lions should be boosted by the return of veteran midfielder Brent Barber for this weeks clash against BB Saints, with the prize being a premiership play off against Howlong.
SPIDERS INTO GRAND FINAL
Howlong have taken the direct route into the 2010 Hume FL grand final by outclassing a determined BB Saints in wet and muddy conditions on Saturday.
The Spiders finished the stronger after the Saints had led by seven points at the first change. Howlong on the back of a dominant performance from Jay Banks and Josh Duffy won by 32 points. The Spiders went into the match with out Coach Marc Almond and Ben Nicholson, Almond is doubtful for the grand final, but Nicholson will be a certain starter.
The win was very impressive in the atrocious conditions that prevailed following constant overnight rain and more on match day that had most of the ground covered in water.
Luke Schilg was superb for the Saints with the midfielder reveling in the heavy going. Dean Murphy and Brad Scott were others to shine. The Saints will be hoping for a firmer track when they confront the rampaging Culcairn, allowing some of its stars to strut their stuff on a very big stage this Saturday.
MINOR GRADES RESULTS
BB Saints pulled off a huge upset in the seconds when they inflicted defeat on Culcairn for the first time in nearly two years, winning by 27 points with accuracy in front of goal proving crucial.
The Lions had more scoring shots but struggled in the heavy going. Jindera progressed to next weeks preliminary final defeating Howlong by 26 points. The Bulldogs now play Culcairn.
Holbrook third grade turned on a classic display of wet weather football, demolishing an undisciplined Howlong by 61 points to advance to its fifth consecutive grand final.
Culcairn defeated Henty by just four points in a see sawing encounter in Sunday’s elimination final. Henty now bow out after losing both finals matches, while Culcairn play Howlong this week.
Henty reversed the result of the thirds by defeating Culcairn by just seven points in the fourths elimination final. A Culcairn win would have seen all four grades progress to the preliminary final.
Flag favorite CDHBU were upset by the RW Tigers in the second semi final winning by two points. The game was marred by an ugly incident at three quarter time involving a player from both teams.
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