Magpies clinch a finals berth at home
• Elliot Tyson brushes off an opponent at Bridgenorth.
By Peter Fish
September 16, 2020
Scottsdale shrugged off an indifferent start at Bridgenorth on Saturday and held on to win by four points, and in doing so confirmed a spot in this year's NTFA finals showdown.
And in even better news, the seniors and women's teams will both play their semi-finals at Scottsdale this Saturday.
The grand final for the men will be played on Saturday September 26th at Deloraine, and the women's on Sunday September 27th at Bridgenorth.
The Magpies trailed at quarter time and had a brush of good fortune as Bridgenorth's inaccurate kicking for goal saved them from a more significant deficit. But to their credit the Magpies dusted themselves off after the break booting six goals to go in at half time with a three goal break.
They looked a touch shaky in the closing minutes of the match but ultimately their buffer proved to be just enough.
For most of the game the Magpies were in control but at times going forward their ball use was diabolical, as they coughed it up frequently and if they are to progress into a grand final they must tidy up that part of their game.
The midfielders, especially those on the inside like Petterwood, Tyson and Whelan, won the clearances, and up forward Daniel Berry and Mitch Bennett again found the goals. This pair have booted 37 goals between them this season and together with Chev Deacon are consistent avenues in front of goals.
Young ruckmen Jack Berry and Jake Carins continue to improve. They may lack experience but are fast becoming important cogs especially at the clearances.
Under the Boags St George Shield conditions, there will be two semi-finals this week with the winners contesting the grand final at Deloraine on September 26th, so there will be no second chances.
The Magpies will meet Deloraine who proved too good for them just a few weeks ago. In that match they fell behind early and were unable to generate momentum against a disciplined Deloraine unit that had a kick-and-mark mentality.
The coaching staff will have to make some adjustments for this return match. Dornauf did some damage going forward last time they met and maybe Jacob Campbell might get the job on him this week.
Captain Joey Robinson and 2018 best and fairest winner Bryton Mullins would be welcome additions if they can pass fitness tests during the week.
The women's team once again allowed Bridgenorth to get away early, and in the finish that poor start cost them.
It was a scrappy contest, and while the girls led by Alex Hall were good in close they just couldn't find any outside runners, and time and again just bombed the ball forward where their opposition cleaned it up too easily.
Coach Cabel Hall finally got his message across at the final change, and his team dominated the last quarter to fail by just six points.
They will meet Bridgenorth again in the cut-throat semi-final but it is at home and that will be to the Magpies' advantage.
The Under 21s were beaten by seven goals but trailed by just seven points at three quarter time and hopes of a maiden victory were high. However, Bridgenorth rallied late and overran the tiring Magpies. Young Hamish Auton again showed his potential, Caleb Bushing was good in close, and Declan Cash showed his usual dash out of defence.
Club president Cameron Moore said having a day of finals at Scottsdale was a boon for the local community, and an acknowledgement that the Scottsdale facilities were among the best in the NTFA.
"The Dorset Council have done a great job maintaining the ground, and the associated infrastructure is also of a high standard for both male and female footballers.
"With good weather predicted, we are preparing for a big crowd to watch community footy at its best," he said.
FINALS MATCHES
Saturday September 19th at Scottsdale
12.25am - Women. Scottsdale v Bridgenorth
2.00pm - Senior Men. Scottsdale v Deloraine
SCORES
Seniors
Scottsdale 13.4 (82) d Bridgenorth 10.18 (78)
Goals: D Berry 3, M Bennett 2, C Deacon 2, J Whelan 2, E Petterwood, J Gray, D Viney, J Carins
Best: E Petterwood, E Tyson, J Saville, J Whelan, J Campbell, D Berry
Women
Bridgenorth 3.3 (21) d Scottsdale 2.3 (15)
Goals: S White, G Cornish
Best: A Hall, K Lester, R Irwin, M Reid, G Knight, M Carins
Under 21s
Bridgenorth 10.12 (72) d Scottsdale 3.10 (28)
Goals: L Hall, D Hall, S Tomkinson
Best: H Auton, D Cash, R Jordan, T Saunders, C Bushing, C Tuck
LADDERS
Seniors
Rocherlea 28
Deloraine 26
Scottsdale 24
Old Scotch 18
Bridgenorth 16
Bracknell 16
Old Launcestonians 12
Meander Valley 4
Uni FC 0
Women
Old Launcestonians 28
Scottsdale 24
Bridgenorth 20
Meander Valley 0
Under 21s
George Town 28
Deloraine 20
Bridgenorth 12
Bracknell 12
Scottsdale 0