Wunkar legend Shane Schulz chaired off by teammates after his 350th game. The Bulldogs booked their place in a preliminary final showdown with Ramco after beating Cobdogla by 43-points in the RFL Independent first-semi final on Saturday. PHOTO: Grant Schwartzkopff
WUNKAR is eyeing an RFL Independent grand final berth, when it takes on Ramco in the preliminary final at Ramco this weekend.
Wunkar ended the Cobdogla fairy tale in emphatic fashion, turning a quarter-time deficit into a convincing 43-point victory in the sudden-death first semi-final at Wunkar on Saturday – the first of a finals double-header.
Immediately after Wunkar’s triumph, Sedan-Cambrai become even hotter flag favourites with a thumping 43-point win of its own over Ramco in the second semi-final.
The day got under way with Cobdogla – returning to the finals for the first time since 2009 – getting the jump on the home side, attacking the ball and the contest fiercely, and moving the footy quickly.
The Eagles’ forward line looked dangerous, with Lincoln Hoare setting up play from the wing and Marty Barber on top in the midfield.
However, Wunkar gradually got on top in the second quarter, sparked by Josh Wiseman kicking a couple of quick goals.
The Bulldogs ran riot from the halfway point of the third quarter, with Kyle Hewitt coming off the bench to score a couple of goals.
Jono Wood was outstanding for the Dogs, playing his best game of the year as an interceptor across half back, while Tyson Renshaw was a centre clearance machine.
Kenny Riley was outstanding for Cobdogla, restricting Lachie Hampel in the first half before doing a number on super veteran Shane Schulz in his 350th game in the second half. Bulldog Lee Verrall was also good in the ruck and will be an important player when Wunkar aims to send Ramco crashing from the finals in straight sets at Ramco this Saturday.
In the later game, Sedan-Cambrai shook off a competitive opening from neighbours Ramco to post a comprehensive second semi-final victory.
The Magpies won every quarter, with Bradley Walkley, Anthony Redden and Russell Loffler (two goals) in red-hot form. The game was effectively over at three-quarter time, and just two goals were scored in the final quarter, despite the dry conditions.
Adam Burckett and Daniel Conley were among Ramco’s better players. The Roosters will now need to regroup to face Wunkar, but have the advantage of playing on their home turf.
Meanwhile the Duthie Medal count and presentation has been scheduled for this Sunday, at the Cobdogla Club, starting at 12 noon.
Guest speaker is Hawthorn Brownlow Medallist and SA footy legend John Platten.
