UPDATE: Sandhurst has stormed into its third consecutive grand final after a commanding performance against Eaglehawk in the second semi-final on July 15, 2023. The Dragons delivered a stunning display, defeating Eaglehawk with a final score of 14.11 (95) to 4.10 (34).
In an exceptional defensive effort, Sandhurst held Eaglehawk to just four goals throughout the match, showcasing one of the most impressive defensive performances seen in the BFNL finals in years. This victory positions Sandhurst to defend its title across all three grades, as both the under-18s and reserves also clinched their spots in the grand final.
The match was characterized by a tense first half, with both teams struggling to score. It wasn’t until the 26-minute mark of the second quarter that Eaglehawk managed to register its first goal, courtesy of Nick Hoare. This was a pivotal moment, but the Dragons quickly responded, with Tom Campbell finally breaking the deadlock for Sandhurst just moments later.
Eaglehawk’s inability to penetrate Sandhurst’s robust defense was evident, as they consistently turned the ball over when entering their forward line. The Premier Data intercept numbers are expected to reveal how effectively Sandhurst contained its opponent, particularly as Eaglehawk struggled to gain ground after halftime.
The game saw a dramatic shift when Jack O’Shannessy scored for Eaglehawk, narrowing the deficit to just 10 points. However, the Dragons struck back decisively, with Nick Thompson missing a crucial opportunity just 15 meters out. Sandhurst capitalized on this moment, extending their lead to 23 points shortly after.
Fergus Greene and teammate Maxted combined for a total of eight goals in the second half, further solidifying Sandhurst’s dominance. With Eaglehawk’s performance faltering, they now face a critical preliminary final next week to earn a rematch against the Dragons.
This victory not only highlights Sandhurst’s resilience but also sets the stage for an exciting grand final. Fans of both teams will be eagerly watching to see how Eaglehawk can rebound.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops!
