UPDATE: Sandhurst has clinched a spot in the grand final after a commanding victory over Eaglehawk, winning 14.11 (95) to 4.10 (34) in Saturday’s semi-final. This win marks Sandhurst’s third consecutive appearance in the grand final, showcasing a remarkable defensive performance that left Eaglehawk struggling to score.
The Dragons delivered an exceptional defensive display, limiting Eaglehawk to just four goals throughout the match. The victory is particularly significant as Sandhurst’s under-18s and reserves also advanced to their respective deciders, positioning the club to potentially defend its title across all grades.
Eaglehawk must regroup quickly, as they prepare for a preliminary final next week. This loss highlights a concerning trend, as it marks the third time this season that Sandhurst has held Eaglehawk to under 52 points. The match’s intensity was palpable, with both teams grappling for control throughout the first half, which ended goalless until the 26-minute mark of the second term.
It was Tom Campbell who finally broke the deadlock, scoring the first goal after being tightly marked in the forward 50. Just moments later, James Coghlan followed suit, snapping a goal from 35 metres out, igniting the crowd and shifting momentum firmly in Sandhurst’s favor.
Despite a brief resurgence from Eaglehawk, who narrowed the gap to just 10 points after a goal from Jack O’Shannessy, the Dragons responded decisively. A critical moment came when Eaglehawk’s Nick Thompson missed a crucial goal opportunity, allowing Sandhurst to extend their lead to 23 points shortly after through Fergus Greene.
As the game progressed, the Dragons’ offensive strategy flourished, with Greene and teammate Maxted combining for eight goals in the second half. As Eaglehawk appeared to ease off, Sandhurst capitalized, solidifying their dominance and securing a decisive win.
Moving forward, all eyes will be on Eaglehawk as they prepare for their upcoming match next Saturday. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if they can rebound and earn a rematch against Sandhurst, who currently holds a significant psychological edge following this victory.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
