By Grant Hitzman
Coomera overcame a Beenleigh resurgence to secure a 13.8 (86) – 12.9 (81) heart-stopping win at Wynnum on Saturday afternoon.
The Buffaloes fought courageously to claw their way back against heavy favourites Coomera, only to lose in the dying stages by less than a goal.
Coomera gritted out the win and secured their place in the August 24 grand final
The Magpies surged ahead in the first term, leading by 20, with clean and efficient midfield play applying the pressure on Beenleigh.
The Buffaloes fired back in the second stanza, getting the best of Coomera to reduce the deficit to 5 at the long break.
The final half was a near copycat of the first, with Coomera edging ahead, leading by 17 at the three-quarter time break.
Beenleigh then bounced back as they did earlier in the contest, reeling the Magpies in to trail by less than a goal during the final term.
The final minutes of the game were nerve-wracking for both sides, a tense arm wrestle going right down the wire.
As the final siren sounded, Coomera had done enough to survive and progress to the Grand Final, while Beenleigh were left to lament what could have been.
Not to be overshadowed, the second semi-final between Pine Rivers and Logan was just as enthralling.
In a see-sawing affair, Pine Rivers stormed home in the final term to knock Logan out of the finals, winning 14.5 (89) to 11.6 (72)
Neither team was able to break away and create a sizeable lead during the first three-quarters, the biggest lead at any change a slender 7 points.
The Swans took control in the final term, the tireless work of Sam Jones highlighted by Pine Rivers coach, Ben Long.
“Sam was our best on ground today in my opinion. He provided that something extra for us and was excellent all day,” he said.
The jubilant coach put the victory down to a team-oriented effort and a superior fitness level, one that he thinks will put Pine Rivers in good stead for their upcoming preliminary final.
“All the boys worked for each other today, we did the little things really, really well,” he said.
“Our fitness got us over the line in the end. it is a strength of our game.
“We are really excited for the game next week and know what we are capable of.”
Pine Rivers will now take on Beenleigh in the preliminary final next Saturday, with the winner to take on Coomera in the decider on August 24.
