Tocumwal had football and netball teams battling it out in finals on the weekend, with six teams still in the running.
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While some Toc sides had a tough day in the qualifying finals on Saturday and Sunday, those who sustained losses gets a second chance this weekend.
Football
Thirds
Tocumwal thirds booked their spot in a preliminary final with a strong win over Dookie in the first qualifying final.
It was a sluggish start as the boys worked off the cobwebs from a month without footy, holding just a narrow lead at quarter time.
From there, the Bloods found their rhythm, tightening up defensively and lifting their pressure around the contest.
By half-time the margin had stretched to three goals, and from then on, Tocumwal controlled the game.
The second half was all one-way traffic as the boys’ fitness and ball movement took over.
Liam Sutton was unstoppable up forward, bagging eight goals, while Ollie East provided great support with three of his own.
The midfield brigade dominated the clearances, giving the forwards plenty of opportunities. The backline stood tall, shutting down Dookie’s avenues to goal and setting up attacks from the back half.
By the final siren, the Bloods had stormed to an 82-point win, locking in their spot in the preliminary final on Saturday, September 6 at Waaia. It was a brilliant team performance when it mattered most.
Final score: Tocumwal 17.16 (118) def. Dookie 5.6 (36)
Goals: Liam Sutton 8, Ollie East 3, Chace Brunskill 2, Logan White 2, Heath Mansell 2.
Best players: Liam Sutton, Chace Brunskill, Logan White, Jake Hicks, Sean Lykissas, Cooper Quick.
Fourths
The young Bloods went down in the second qualifying final against Berrigan.
The Saints took control early, but Toc kept fighting hard throughout the contest.
Unfortunately, by the last quarter heads were down, the side lost a couple of players to injury, and the scoreline blew out.
There’s still plenty to play for, though, with a second chance in the second semi final on Sunday.
Final score: Tocumwal 3.5 (23) def by Berrigan 10.12 (72).
Goals: Lucas Grieves, Jack Watson, Charlie Wilson.
Best players: Ollie East, Archie Chellew, Jack Watson, Joel Harrison, Lewis Petersen, Charlie Wilson.
Netball
A-grade: Tocumwal 34 def by Deniliquin 55.
Deni looked untouchable, bringing class and consistency for the whole 60 minutes.
The Toc girls fought hard all game, never giving up and trying every trick they had.
Players showed effort and determination in a tough game physically and mentally.
The side has a chance to bounce back this week with a healthy squad, ready to come out firing.
B-grade: Tocumwal 38 def by Tungamah 44.
The girls hit the court with heart and determination, ready to give it their all. Even with a couple of tough injuries, they fought hard until the end. They did slip away, but the grit and spirit never did.
Under-15s: Tocumwal 19 def by Tungamah 42.
Finals bring a different level of energy and nerves. Tungamah came out strong and were the better team on the day.
The under 15s can regroup and hit the courts, train hard and come out firing this week.
Under-13s: Tocumwal 37 def Strathmerton 8.
Toc march into the preliminary final after an excellent game, in which they showed their strength right across the court.
Defensive players were outstanding, applying pressure and making it tough for the opposition to find space.
Time and time again, they forced turnovers and provided plenty of opportunities to bring the ball back down.
Our attack end worked well with the feeding into the ring giving goalers a lot of opportunities to score. Great team effort.
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