Bushies’ face elimination

BEECHWORTH’S senior side have their backs against the wall as they face elimination against Thurgoona on Sunday. Needing to win to secure a top three finish against the Bulldogs in the final round of the regular season last weekend, the battered and bruised Bushrangers were no match for the red-hot Thurgoona, going down 5.7 (37) to 14.14 (98). Following an even opening term, Beechworth could only muster one goal after quarter-time at Baarmutha Park in a stifling defensive display from the Bulldogs. It was the second straight loss by 10 goals or more for Beechworth, who after spending most of the season in the double chance spots, find themselves ill-affording of a loss which would end their season. Beechworth will be eager to welcome back Riley Stone, Kayde Surrey and Lachie Armstrong this week after missing Saturday’s clash with injuries. The Bushrangers have also had their depth tested with the absence of defender Tristan Lenaz in recent weeks, who is currently overseas. Finn Jakobsson and Degan Dolny have performed admirably in filling the role while midfielder Hamish Malsem has hit form at the right time of the year. Taking Beechworth’s place in the top three were Kiewa-Sandy Creek, who now face a grand final rematch in the first final against Chiltern. The loser of that game will play off against the winner of the Bushrangers and Dogs the following Sunday. Yackandandah had locked up top spot heading into the final round and have earned the week off after ending the regular season with 16 wins on the trot. The Bushrangers will be entering their third straight finals campaign at Sandy Creek after returning from finals wilderness in 2022. Sandy Creek hasn’t been a happy hunting ground in Beechworth’s previous two finals series, with just one win from five tries at an average losing margin of 56-points. The other team set to represent the club throughout finals will be the under 17s, who will play before the seniors on Sunday against Rutherglen. The thirds will enter the game as favourites having beaten the Cats by 55-points in their last meeting a few weeks ago, despite Rutherglen getting the chocolates over Beechworth earlier in the season, winning by eight-points. First bounce in the under 17s will be from 10:20am with the seniors to follow at 2pm.

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