By Tyler Lewis
MORNINGTON PENINSULA NEPEAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
The drought is over.
Devon Meadows will play its first finals series in 21 years and Pearcedale will feature in finals footy for the first time in a decade.
The Panthers and the Dales were both in do-or-die circumstances on the road at the weekend, against sides they had previously lost to earlier in the season.
Devon Meadows slipped Seaford early to run away with a 14.14 (98) to 6.7 (43) win, while the Dales held off a fast-finishing Chelsea to secure a 13.10 (88) to 12.3 (75) victory.
Nick Battle was in divine touch for the Panthers, while Jake Frawley was crowned best afield for Pearcedale.
The local rivals will now meet in the first elimination this Sunday.
In other matches: Crib Point 11.10 (76) was defeated by Karingal 18.18 (126), Harri Dekleuver kicked a goal after the siren to send off Mornington coach Simon Goosey with a 8.10 (58) to 7.10 (52) triumph over Hastings, Somerville secured top spot by defeating Rye 11.14 (80) to 9.9 (63) and the bookend match between Langwarrin and Tyabb was abandoned.
FINALS FIXTURE
QUALIFYING FINAL
(Saturday at Rye): Karingal (second) v Somerville (third)
ELIMINATION FINAL
(Sunday at Chelsea): Devon Meadows (fourth) v Pearcedale (fifth)
Langwarrin (first) – bye.
