Senior Men – International def Apollo

With International and Apollo facing off in the Steeline Bendigo Bank Limestone Coast Football Association preliminary final and misty rain in the air, many could be forgiven for having flashbacks to the corresponding clash 12 months ago.

On that occasion the blue and white slid to a momentous victory, but in 2022 Inter returned serve and ensured history did not repeat by securing a convincing 2-1 triumph.

The result means the black and blue are walking out on grand final day once again after a brief hiatus and will meet Gambier Centrals in the showpiece contest.

With two fierce rivals facing off for a spot in the decider there was always going to be nerves, but they were only heightened as kick off occurred 40 minutes later than scheduled due to a thrilling Reserves battle and a minute silence in respect to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

While the air was ice cold the battle for possession was red hot as both sides had some early looks at goal, but could not stick the landing.

After the early nerves International established itself as the team on top controlling most of the play in its forward half.

The drivers behind this were Daniel Young, Christian Cella and Nicholas Morony and they put Apollo’s defence on the back foot with wave after wave.

Despite the likes of Matthew Bueti, Sam Bueti and Caleb Casey all looking dangerous being at the end of plays, they were never able to quite finish the job with the cross just out of reach.

Some of these mistakes and missed opportunities were also brought about by the pressure of Adam Walker and So Chree Htoo in the Apollo backline.

While the majority of the play was at Inter’s end, the blue and white did have the odd chance with Say Wah looking threatening.

But both teams were forced to settle for a scoreless and scrappy first half.

Having felt in control without getting the rewards, International continued on the attack in the second half.

A corner from Sam Bueti presented a big moment for the black and blue and the incoming cross met the head of Sar Hay Moo, but his shot was well saved by Apollo goalkeeper Jesse Widdison.

But Widdison had no answer for the rebound effort from Caleb Casey, who was too good from point-blank range to put Inter in front after 51 minutes of tough football.

With their supporters now at full voice International sensed its moment with more chances being created including a sharp volley off the boot of young which was well stopped by Widdison’s sharp reflexes.

This save was met with an even bigger cheer, but the Apollo fans were swiftly silenced five minutes later.

Having led from the front all day captain Cella doubled his team’s lead by slotting a goal from close range.

Matthew Bueti had been threatening all day and thought he scored International’s third goal minutes later, but his celebrations were cut short from the linesman’s call of offside.

It meant the door remained slightly open for Apollo to pounce and despite the fighting efforts of Tyler Michielan, Lachlan Charlton and Nicholas Morony all day, Shar Nay Than managed to break through in extra time.

With the possibility of a blue and white comeback suddenly on, the tension lifted during the final minutes, but Inter remained on top to complete the 2-1 win and enter another grand final.

International coach Vlada Gajic said he was impressed with how his boys put the disappointment of last week behind them and took control of the preliminary final from the outset.

“We did not to that great and were a bit unlucky against Centrals, so we just wanted to make things right,” he said.

“I think the boys played really well and took the game on and really wanted it more than Apollo.

“From kickoff it was clear we were hear to play with a high level of intensity and would control the tempo of the game and it was good to see the defensive structure unbreeched.

“We played the better football and showed it.”

Reserves – Naracoorte def International

Ladder leaders Naracoorte are through to the Reserves grand final after a nervous battle against International.

After 90 tough minutes of football in the rain no score was possible so extra time was needed after some excellent saves from respective Inter and Naracoorte goalkeepers Tyler Johnston and Brad Pilven.

Inter had to deal with the loss of captain Tayne Williamson due to a hamstring injury and eventually the side could not keep up with the opposition’s younger legs.

Naracoorte made its move in the second half of extra time where George Matutuva and Patrick O’Donovan delivered the decisive blows.

Under 17 – Centrals def Apollo

Gambier Centrals have flown into the Under 17’s decider with a crushing preliminary final win.

The Lions took control with some early goals and never looked back with Ronald Bati scoring four off his own boot, while Zac Sneddon kicked the highlight of the 6-1 win.

Jack Spark put Apollo on the board on a tough day as the second placed team lost to third spot on the ladder.

Under 14 – International def Centrals

The Under 14’s preliminary final went down to the wire as International and Centrals faced off in a thrilling goal for goal affair.

The Lions started on the front foot and the likes of Patrick Dycer and Cody Beimans put them in a strong position leading 2-1 at the break.

However, they could not stop a second half assault led by Ryder Lomas and Will Ruwoldt as Inter stole the fixture 3-2.

Under 12 – Centrals def Blue Lake

Centrals sealed a grand final berth by bombarding the goals in the preliminary final against Blue Lake.

Despite Solomon Htoo giving the Rangers a push with two goals, he could not keep up with the Lions as Nathan Chatindiara guided them to a 5-2 win.