Bulldogs upset Inverloch-Kongwak to reach West Gippsland grand final
Phillip Island's 52-point win sets up a grand final against Nar Nar Goon, the reigning premiers they beat by 15 points in round 15
PHILLIP Island is through to the final showdown against Nar Nar Goon after an upset against Inverloch-Kongwak at the Cora Lynn Recreation Reserve.
The underdog Bulldogs had a slow start to the season but put in the hard yards at the Kennel to come out victorious in Saturday’s preliminary final.
Inverloch-Kongwak trailed by a goal after a steady first quarter, but Phillip Island began gaining territory and control through the second quarter.
Phillip Island held a 24-point lead at half-time but knew it would have to keep its composure through the third quarter to maintain the advantage.
An early third quarter goal to Inverloch-Kongwak reduced the margin to 18 points, but Phillip Island dominated the forward entries from there and kicked five for the quarter.
With a handy 49-point lead with one quarter to go, it was time for Phillip Island to finish the job.
The Bulldogs made a shaky start to the fourth quarter, kicking three behinds before giving away a goal to Inverloch-Kongwak.
Both sides missed some opportunities before Oliver Duggan and Jack Taylor kicked a goal each towards Phillip Island’s tally.
Inverloch-Kongwak responded with two goals, followed by two more to Phillip Island.
Inverloch-Kongwak’s Ryan Sparkes finished off the goal kicking for the day, but Phillip Island had done the job and came away with a 52-point win, 16.14 (110) to 8.10 (58).
Phillip Island will now gear up to face Nar Nar Goon in next weekend’s grand final.
The Bulldogs already upset the reigning premiers once this season with a 15-point win in round 15, and will be hungry to repeat the performance when it matters most.
Inverloch-Kongwak: 2.3, 3.6, 4.7, 8.10 (58)
Phillip Island: 3.3, 7.6, 12.8, 16.14 (110)
GOALS: Phillip Island: O. Duggan 3, M. Walton 3, F. O’Brien 3, B. Taylor 2, M. Collison 1, J. Taylor 1, B. Ross 1, C. Pedersen 1, C. Thompson 1. Inverloch-Kongwak: R. Sparkes 4, J. Sullivan 2, J. Ginnane 1, D. Clark 1.
BEST: Phillip Island: C. Pedersen, O. Duggan, B. Hindhaugh, Y. Caffieri, K. Mackenzie, B. Ross. Inverloch-Kongwak: R. Sparkes, L. Rankin, D. Clark, E. Park, L. Hayes, T. Hams.
