By Grant Hitzman
Beenleigh will face Coomera in the 2013 SEQAFL Division 3 decider, after storming home to a 47-point win over Pine Rivers, in Saturday’s preliminary final clash, at Zillmere.
In blustery conditions, the Buffaloes’ superior ball-handling, courage and commitment blew the Swans away in the final term, running out 21.11 (137) to 14.6 (90) winners.
The lop-sided scoreboard didn’t do the game justice however, as a fiercely competitive and close battle occurred in the first three quarters.
Pine Rivers set the tone early with some exceptional clearance work and pressure in the forward 50, resulting in two early goals to player-coach, Ben Long.
The Swans wasted several opportunities to open a substantial margin however, and went into the quarter time break leading by a solitary point.
An arm-wrestle continued in the second term, before Beenleigh orchestrated a near flawless passage of play towards the end of the quarter.
The Buffaloes’ kicked 4 unanswered goals to head into the main break 22-points clear.
In a fiery second half, Beenleigh attempted to open the floodgates, while Pine scratched and clawed to keep grand final hopes alive.
The Swans muscled their way back into the contest to be just 5-points adrift at the three-quarter time break.
As the game hung in the balance, a heart-stopping finish was on the cards.
It never came to fruition however.
Beenleigh grabbed the game by the throat in the final stanza, banging home 10 majors to crush the Swans hopes of back-to-back grand final appearances.
Beenleigh’s spearhead forward, Ashley Templar, once again proved why he is the most dangerous big man in the competition, slotting a lazy seven to cap off a brilliant day.
Beenleigh will now face Coomera in the grand final showdown on August 24th. The game will be a rematch of the thrilling 6-point semi-final a fortnight ago.
