The Border Raiders men advanced to the grand final 4-1. Photos: Matthew Kappos
Echuca Moama will be chasing the premiership double in Football Victoria Greater Bendigo.
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After its women’s side advanced last weekend the men’s side joined in this week, winning its semi-final over Deniliquin Wanderers in a game not without its challenges.
With an almost 30 point advantage on the league table, the Border Raiders were expected to roll through Deni at Jack Eddy Oval in Moama, but the Wanderers would frustrate the locals in a goalless first half.
A chance to reflect on a disappointing half over the break saw the locals emerge with renewed fire, and the game was quickly taken over by the league premier.
Gaston Dassis set up a goal and converted a penalty in the win.
Within four minutes the deadlock was broken.
Samuel Wanesiofa played an incisive through pass to Gaston Dassis, the Argentinian import surging into the box before cutting back and squaring it to Partrick Barry, who made no mistake from close range.
A nervous one goal lead didn’t remain so for long as just five minutes later the Border Raiders had a second.
Seth Turri takes on the defence.
The midfield paring linked up as Seth Turri laid it off for Christian Marchetti on the edge of the area, Marchetti curling one into the top right corner, leaving Deni’s Matt Crothers in goal with no chance to keep it out.
The home side’s third had all the DNA of its opener, this time Clayton Scott the beneficiary of a through ball, allowing the cutback for Emiliano Donascimento.
In just 16 minutes, the Border Raiders had compiled a commanding 3-0 lead, but Deni would pull one back in the 73rd minute, adding some intrigue through a powerful Masen Brain strike.
Samuel Wanesiofa plays it through the line, leading to the Border Raiders opener.
But as the Border Raiders continued to assault the Deniliquin penalty area, it became clear it would be the locals' day, especially after Clayton Scott won a spot kick which Dassis cooly put away.
After the 4-1 win, the Border Raiders will now play Colts United FC, who got the best of Swan Hill 4-3.
Deniliquin scramble at the back as goalkeeper Matt Crothers tries to claim.
Swan Hill had two men sent off in the first half, but would still pull back a 3-1 lead to level at 3-all.
Colts had their own player sent off but found a late winner in the 89th minute.
The final will be held all McEwen Reserve in Shepparton from 1pm on Sunday.
The women’s side will be chasing glory of its own at 11am, hoping to defeat Swan Hill to take home the trophy.
Emiliano Donascimento scored the Border Raiders’ third.
Christian Marchetti looks to wrong foot his marker.
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