August 14, 2017
South Toowoomba shot down the South Burnett by the narrowest of margins in their Darling Downs AFL last round clash in Toowoomba on Saturday.
The Bombers were just one point in the lead when the final whistle blew, denying the Saints victory after a brave fightback in the last quarter.
South Toowoomba, playing before a home crowd, took off with a strong start and were leading the Saints by three goals at the first change.
They maintained this lead in the second quarter, although the Saints were now going goal for goal.
By the end of the third quarter, the Bombers were leading 8.6 (54) to 4.7 (31) but the character of the game changed in the last quarter.
South Burnett peppered the sticks, outpointing the Bombers in the fourth quarter but just falling short with 8.14 (62), behind the home team on 9.9 (63).
South Burnett goal kickers were Joseph Amery (3), Keegan Wright (3), Jordan Pressnell and Matthew Patroni.
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The one-point loss could have a devastating affect for the South Burnett team’s season, setting up a tough trek to get into the Grand Final.
It has allowed Coolaroo – who had a two-point win over Goondiwindi – to slip back ahead of the Saints on for and against, pushing South Burnett into third spot ahead of the finals.
This means Saints’ next game will be a sudden death Elimination Final to be played against Goondiwindi on August 26, at a venue to be confirmed.
Minor Premiers University Cougars will face Coolaroo on the same day, with the winner going straight into the Grand Final on September 9 at Rockville Oval, Toowoomba.
The loser will play the winner of the Elimination Final on September 2 at Rockville Oval.
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The South Burnett Women’s team put up a strong fight against the Bombers in their last round match played in Toowoomba on Saturday.
The home team was ahead at the end of the first quarter, but the Saints had clawed back and were ahead by a goal at half-time – 2.4 (16) to 1.4 (10) – and were just three points behind at the end of the third.
But South Toowoomba proved too strong in the last, finishing ahead 7.9 (51) to 5.7 (37).
South Burnett goals were kicked by Jenille Pasfield (2), Tamika Schick, Greer Shepherd and Holly Ludke.
The Women’s team finished in fourth spot on the competition ladder, which means they also qualify for the Elimination Final, which will be a re-match against South Toowoomba on August 26 at a venue to be confirmed.
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UPDATE August 17: Darling Downs AFL has confirmed that both Elimination Finals will be played in Kingaroy on August 26. The women’s game is scheduled to start at 1:00pm and the men’s at 3:00pm.
