Hurstbridge have kept their season alive after defeating Montmorency by 28 points in yesterday afternoon’s Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 Elimination Final at Epping Recreation Reserve.
On Sunday, Epping Recreational Reserve was home to crowds from Montmorency and Hurstbridge, who were hoping to secure their spot in the second weekend of finals.
It was always going to be tight with Montmorency finishing fourth and Hurstbridge finishing the season 5th.
After their persistent fight against Heidelberg last weekend, which is no easy task, Hurstbridge were eager to secure a win.
And that they did, running over the top of the Magpies to secure their first ever finals victory in the top flight, 12.13 (85) to 8.9 (57).
Cooper Perrin starred in attack and on a wing, kicking three goals and creating plenty of opportunities for his teammates.
After a quiet first term Joel Naylor worked his way into the contest, kicking three goals and providing a presence in attack.
Bridges skipper Ethan Taylor also had an excellent game alongside Mitch Moschetti, with both players impacting the scoreboard with a major.
For the Magpies, Hudson Holmes and Stefan Uzelac were solid as a brick wall in defence, often driving many forays forward for the Magpies.
Jacob Naismith also had a solid game in defence while Patrick Dozzi and Nicholas Green were excellent in midfield alongside ruckman Flynn Riley.
It didn’t start all too well for the Bridges, who conceded the first three goals of the contest inside the first 16 minutes.
After hitting back with an goal in the early stages of the time on period, the Magpies then hit back once again to enter the quarter time break up by 19 points.
By the second quarter, Hurstbridge were ready to turn it around. A few minutes in and Mitch Moschetti scored the first of many of Hurstbridge’s goals of the quarter.
Another three goals after this, had them right on Montmorency’s tale. The roles reversed as the pies could only score one goal going into half time.
Hurstbridge entered the third quarter just one point down, and it was tight from start to finish.
Almost goal for goal, supporters were biting their nails and on the edge of their seats.
Joel Naylor and Cooper Perrin fought to get Hurstbridge in front, kicking as many as they could.
The grit from Hurstbridge began to pay off as they finally got in front for the first time all game, entering the final quarter just one point ahead.
This momentum ended up allowing them to finish the game 28 points ahead. The biggest score difference all game.
However, this doesn’t reflect the closeness in score proximity through the game. Both teams should be commended for the fight they gave from the first siren to the last.
Hurstbridge will now meet Banyule in the First Semi Final next Sunday at Epping Recreation Reserve after the Bears went down to Greensborough in the Qualifying Final by 59 points.
