Deakin Juggernaut Keeps Rollin On

Deakin Juggernaut Keeps Rollin On

By Mark Humphrey

Not to be outdone by the women’s team the Deakin Ducks Division 1 men’s team stormed into the FFV Geelong region grand final with a strong 2-0 win over season leaders Barwon FC. Deakin Ducks celebrate their semi final win.

After finishing the season on top of the ladder it was expected that Barwon would advance to the grand final with a win over 4^th placed Deakin Ducks FC in today's semi final..

10 minutes into the knockout semi Deakin were awarded a penalty.  Striker Colby Hart put the ball into the back of the net to give the Ducks an early lead. Deakin held on to the advantage into the break.

Second half action had the Ducks immediately attacking the Barwon defence. Barwon through some good defensive work continually kept the ducks out and even instigated some of their own attacking plays.

8 minutes into the second half and Deakin forward Tristan Gutteridge found some clear territory in his half after a clearing kick from defence. Some excellent ball control followed by a positive strike from Gutteridge gave Deakin their second goal of the game giving them a strangle hold on the game.

Tristan Gutteridge celebrates his goal with team mates.

With 30 gone in the second half Deakin player Jack Vanwren was given a yellow as the intensity started to lift by both sides. For the loser the season was over. Barwon was attacking on all levels and a shot on goals 5 minutes later went wide. Barwon produced yet another scoring opportunity within a 10 minute period but once again the Deakin defence held firm denying Barwon clear access to the goals.

A corner to Barwon with 5 minutes to go seemed to be their last opportunity to get into the match. Deakin defended the cross and cleared the ball setting up their own scoring opportunity which went wide.

Barwon tried everything in the last minutes of the game having several long range shots to try and get on the board without any success. The whistle blew bringing down the curtain for the ladder leaders Barwon FC who although not advancing to the final still had a magnificent year finishing the regular season on top of the ladder.

Barwon kept attacking the goals all match.

For the victors Deakin, they now join their division 1 women’s team in the big dance next week at Myers Reserve against the winner of the Geelong Rangers / Bellarine Sharks game.

"Dig a hole - dig a hole - dig a hole" Jokingly the Pond Squad would sing this chorus when an opposition player went down. Nothing to be heard when a Deakin player goes down.

And for the “Pond Cheer Squad” a big weekend awaits them with 2 division 1 teams in the grand final.

Deakin's "Pond Squad" definitely adds great atmosphere to the game.

Action shots from today's game.

Barwon FC supporters  cheering on their team and the season they have had.

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