Heartbreaking end for 'Bushies

Beechworth’s senior footballers have been eliminated from finals contention in the most agonising of fashions, going down to Thurgoona by a goal last Sunday. The Bushrangers’ main man Cam Fendyk marked from 40m out directly in front, with the chance to send the game into extra time as the siren sounded at a packed Sandy Creek. With spectators on the edge of their seat, the dual Barton medalist launched for goal and had his shot touched on the goal line, denied a score. Beechworth players slumped in heartbreak and rallied around their captain as the Bulldogs celebrated a thrilling finals win 13.14 (92) to 12.14 (86) with ecstasy. The teams played out a classic sudden death final and could not be split throughout the day. Beechworth held onto a two-goal edge at the main break but the seesawing contest saw Thurgoona take a slim lead into three-quarter time. The Bushrangers would respond and take the lead back into the final quarter until a Luke Gerecke goal swung the lead again. Even more drama spilled onto the field when Bulldog big man Adam Elias was yellow-carded almost halfway through the final quarter with the game in the balance. Playing with a man down, Thurgoona found another gear to rise to the occasion and opened up a two goal lead. With their backs against the wall, Beechworth spearhead Lachie Armstrong nailed an improbable goal from the boundary to breathe life back into his team. After a Thurgoona point and with seconds remaining, the Bushrangers surged forward to find Dayne Carey on the edge of the 50, who centred the ball to his captain Fendyk on the siren. Despite a cruel touch on the goal line, Fendyk was phenomenal once again for his team along with Tom Cartledge, Armstrong, Hamish Malsem and Hayden Cooper. Tyson Neander was the standout for the Bulldogs while the Howard brothers in Mat and Cody also provided plenty of dash from half back. Thurgoona will face Chiltern in a sudden death semi-final after the Swans were dismantled by Barnawartha to the tune of 39 points following a final quarter onslaught the day prior. The Tigers will play off for a spot in the grand final against Kiewa-Sandy Creek. It wasn’t all doom and gloom for the Bushrangers at Sandy Creek with the under 17s prevailing for an upset win over Yackandandah 8.5 (53) to 3.5 (23) prior to the seniors on Sunday. It was a struggle throughout the first half as both teams looked evenly matched, until the young ‘Bushies kicked away in the premiership quarter and never looked back. Gabe Humphreys was best om ground for Beechworth finishing with two goals and was well supported by Finn Hoysted, Rourke Warner and Jacob Wood. Beechworth’s under 17s will take on Dederang Mount Beauty in their semi final on Sunday which kicks off from 10:20am at Sandy Creek.

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