KALKEE will meet Harrow-Balmoral in an elimination semi-final after disposing of Edenhope-Apsley by 17 points in sopping conditions at Harrow.
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Kees coach Steve Schultz said his team was stoked to come away with the win.
“After the game the club song was sung pretty loudly,” he said.
“Nobody likes to come off with a loss in those conditions.” The fourth-placed side kicked the first goal of the match and secured an early lead.
The first quarter saw the best of both teams, with scoring becoming increasingly difficult as the match progressed.
Kalkee led by five points at the first break and kept the opposition to a single behind in the second quarter to take a 16-point lead into the sheds at half-time.
The Saints rallied in the third quarter but inaccuracy in front of goal hurt the side.
Kees led by 11 at the final change and forged on to win the match 9.5 (59) to 5.12 (42).
Hugo Papst was a standout for the Kees with two quick goals in the second term, which set up a comfortable half-time lead and ultimately secured the win.
Papst was named best on ground for his efforts. Schultz said Matthew Nield was another Kees standout.
“Hugo worked really hard defensively and up forward. He kicked well in the second quarter,” he said.
“He and Matt were just really clean and easily picked up the ball.
“They are two pretty skilled lads and were a big key in setting it up early in the game.”
George Walker continued his impressive season run with four goals for the Saints.
Saints coach Michael Rowe said the conditions made it a massive battle.
“I suppose if you look at how we went last year to make finals this year was an achievement,” he said.
“In saying that we believe our team is as good as any so it was a good effort but we were disappointed with the loss.”
Schultz said his side overcame the muddy conditions.
“I thought the blokes played really well despite heavy conditions. Even the lighter fellows were getting in there and getting the footy,” he said.
Schultz credited the early lead and strength across the board for the Kees win.
“We got a good start and from then it was really just a stoppage game as it bogged up,” he said.
“We really didn’t have a bad player.
“That is when we play our best footy.”
The Kees escaped without injury.
Papst, Schultz, Oliver Young, Blair Thomas, Jasper Gunn and Daniel Schache were awarded best for the Kees.
Jeremy Kealy, Dale Smith, Christopher Oliver, Sean Butler, James Kirby and Joshua Clissold took home best for the Saints.