Kyneton still has a ‘live chance’ remaining in the Riddell District finals, with the club’s Under 19.5 footballers winning their elimination final by 28 points on Sunday.
It was a different story in the Reserves, with the Tigers going down by 17 points in the elimination final against Diggers Rest.
So the word from Tigerland to supporters across the board is ‘Get behind the U19.5s’ when they play Wallan in the first semi-final at Gilbert Gordon Oval, Woodend, this Sunday.
Coached by David Nolte, the Kyneton U19.5s finished in fifth position on the ladder, but produced some of their best football of the season to defeat Diggers Rest on their home ground.
In a low scoring first half, the Tigers were a goal up at half-time.
They turned in an inspired third term, scoring 3.6 and completely shutting out their opponents.
With eyes on staying in the finals, the young side made sure of victory by playing the game right out.
The talented Nick Claphorn, up and comer Bailey Ryan (five goals), Indy Williamson, Jesse Smith, Corman Sutton and Angus Nolte who already has senior experience behind him, were players to stand out.
Final score: Kyneton 9.10 (64) d Diggers Rest 5.8 (38).
Sunday’s semi-final against the Magpies should be interesting, and the Tigers can take a leaf out of Macedon’s book after the Cats’ easy qualifying win over Wallan.
Kyneton Reserves led Diggers Rest by 13 points at quarter-time, but the experienced opposition controlled the second term.
The Tigers hit the front early in the last term, but the home side kicked the last three goals.
Final scores: Diggers Rest 8.5 (53) d Kyneton 5.6 (36).
Kyneton’s best were Francis Randall, Thomas Bourke, Hayden Ingleton, Lachlan Randall-Hewitt, Brendan Smith and Matthew Hanna.
The second semi-final in the Under 19.5s will be between top-of-the-ladder Gisborne Giants and Macedon – last season’s premiers – at Romsey on Saturday.
