Hawks knock over inaccurate Panthers

Bell Post Hill's Sam Harmer expresses visible frustration during the Panthers' Qualifying Final loss to Inverleigh. Photos: VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT

INVERLEIGH has upset Bell Post Hill with a resounding 32-point win at St Albans Reserve to kick off the Geelong & District Football League Finals Series.

Justin Tarr’s Panthers’ inaccuracy came back to haunt them this afternoon (August 26), kicking one goal through the first three quarters, as the Hawks secured a pivotal 4.9.33 to 9.11.65 win in Week One.

Inverleigh’s forward line squeaked away with five goals in the opening half, led by Dalton Grundell, Adam Donohue, and vice-captain Jarrod Love, while Bell Post Hill could only muster a lone score by the main break, amassing 1.7.13 through two quarters.

Inverleigh’s Dalton Grundell led the way in the forward line with three goals next to his name.

The Panthers’ scoring woes continued into the penultimate quarter, kicking no goals and three behinds, while the Hawks tacked on two more goals to put the game beyond reach, leading 48-15 with a quarter to play.

Bell Post Hill finally broke through the Hawks defence and found the middle sticks in the process, kicking three-goals straight, but it was too little, too late with Inverleigh adding two more majors to its steady stream of scores.

Inverleigh walked out of the First Qualifying Final with its heads held high and a 32-point win.

Inverleigh defender Mitch Elford (right), in partnership with captain Jack Fiolet, kept the GDFL’s leading goal-scorer Will Ford (left) goalless this afternoon.

Inverleigh’s Dalton Grundell (three goals), Jarrod Young, Jarrod Love (one goal), Adam Donohue (two goals), Jakeb Templeton, and Mitch Elford were named best on ground for the Hawks.

Bell Post Hill’s Jordan Schrader-Sabell, Tyler Skowronski, Renn Lovitt, Jack Yates, Josh Andrews, and Dylan Witney (one goal) were named mass contributors for the Panthers.

Inverleigh can return to the GDFL Grand Final with a win over minor premiers Thomson next Saturday (September 2).

Bell Post Hill will look to bounce back next Sunday (September 3) to face the winner of tomorrow’s Elimination Final between East Geelong and Bannockburn.