EXETER proved that a week is a long time in sport on Saturday, booking a place in the first grade grand final with a 5-4 penalties win over Yerrinbool-Bargo.
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The minor premiers fielded an under strength team and were pumped 7-0 by the Bushrangers in the Darryl Kill Cup final last week, but they made amends with a dominant display on Saturday.
Yerrinbool missed their speedy right winger Ben Miller, while Exeter had a near-full strength team and are looking forward to the week off this Saturday to be fully fit for the decider.
With the match locked at 0-all at halftime and 1-all at fulltime, the game went into extra time and neither team could break the deadlock. Earlier, Ben Hamilton put Exeter in front 1-0 before Matt Wilson equalised soon after.
The red and blues had the first chances in extra time, but Yerrinbool held firm and pushed the game to penalties.
The Bushrangers’ striker, Luke Dinham sailed the opening shot straight over the cross bar to get his team off to the worst possible start.
Exeter’s Hamilton, Duncan Urquhart, Ricky Doyle and Lee Doyle all converted from the spot to keep Exeter in front.
Lachie Smith had a chance to win the match for the minor premiers, but missed.
Yerrinbool missed another penalty and Dan Fernandez kicked Exeter through to the decider.
Exeter coach Ken Rice said he was happy to have a week off this week.
“We knew we had to win [on Saturday] for our confidence and to help a few of the guys overcome niggles,” Rice said.
“Ben Hamilton and Duncan Urquhart, who switched from midfield to sweeper, did a fantastic job.”
