The Miranda Magpies have seen 9 of their 10 teams progress to week 2 of the finals, here's a rundown on what happened.
Our 15D's were the first team to kickoff at 8:30 at Box Road. Reports from the game suggest we were well in control throughout the elimination semi final against Engadine Eagles. They game ended as a 3-1 win to the Miranda Magpies and the team looked very strong.
W12C's were eliminated from the finals, going down 2-0 at a windy Kareela. The girls had a great season, making the finals in their first year of competition and looked strong early. A goal just before halftime after a double save by the keeper didn't dampen their fighting spirit. But an unlucky second goal midway through the second half sealed the result.
At the same time, our 13A's defending champions faced off at Greenhills, also struggling with the blistering cold winds. But the 13A's won the match 2-0 over arch rivals Gymea, knocking them out. Andrew has done a great job with the team this season following last years championship and despite injuries early on, has the boys primed for peak performance in the finals.
The 14A's took on second spot Cronulla Seagulls at home to be the first Magpies team into a Grand Final. The Minor Premiers looked strong early, creating several chances. The game ended 0-0 and went to extra time and when Miranda scored early, it looked over. But Seagulls equalised and the tense final 10 minutes was hard to watch. But Sid's team prevailed, moving onto the Grand Final and enjoying the week off.
Our 12E's also kicked off at 10:30 against Engadine Crusaders at Preston Park. Crusaders finished the season with over 100 goals and we're going to be a tough opponent in the Qualifying Final. Miranda fought gallantly but the 7-0 result showed the dominance of Engadine in E Grade. Our 12E's get a second chance next week to make the Grand Final.
Our final Saturday game saw our Minor Premier 18E's take on St Patricks at home. The match was delayed 1 hour following an injury in the previous match requiring an ambulance onto the field. The wind was still causing some issues for both teams but not as many issues as the vocal crowd who were cheering every tackle. Rumours are it was the Brock Dore Fanclub but they are unconfirmed. The 18E's scored first and following an equaliser, had to hold out a panic filled extra time period to by our second team straight into the Grand Final.
Sunday began at a cold and windy Buckle Reserve with our AL11's up against Gymea in an elimination final and it could not have started any better, with two Magpies goals in the first 15 minutes. The game then settled into an arm wrestle an Gymea gave themselves hope just before the break. Gymea scored again midway through the second half and it was looking like another extra time match before a sensational header goal from a corner in the 88th minute to seal a Magpies victory.
Our SWA2's were up next, at home against Bonnet Bay in an elimination final. The game was fast and frantic but Miranda scored a goal in both halves, the second goal was one for the highlights reel, playing a fast ball down the fields, defender in toe, taking it wide to avoid an advancing keeper before cracking it home with the left, a defender steering it in as they tried to keep it out. IT WAS A CLASSIC!
The 35F's kicked off at Woolooware oval in their elimination final against Barden Ridge and reports from the game suggested it was well in control, cruising to a 3-0 victory. The team looked very happy after the match and are focused on next week, could this be the year for the 35F's?
Our final game for the weekend kicked off at 1pm at home against St Patricks in our SWA's. Our SWA1's finished 13 points clear first and took on St Pats who hadn't scored against them all season. The Magpies looked in control for most of the match, but failed to get a goal until a late corner was drilled into the box and headed home for an exciting 1-0 victory.
So that's 3 Magpies into the Grand Final. Congrats to our SWA1's, 18E's and 14A's for progressing to the Grand Final. We have 6 Semi Finalists playing next week for their shot to the big dance.
The draw for this coming weekend will be out Tuesday.
GOOD LUCK MAGPIES!!!
