James Storay's return to his cricketing home ground proved victorious as Evandale progressed to a meeting with St Pats after a dominant 11.13 (79) to 4.16 (40) win over Old Launcestonians.
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The Blues struggled to get into the game early with their season on the line, unable to recover from a scoreless opening quarter with little opportunity provided.
Tom Chugg's reputation as a big-game performer in the elimination final continued to grow as the smooth mover lit up Invermay Park, setting up the first goal of the day with a booming left boot to find Bailey Wells.
Jonathon French added to the Eagles' tally later in the quarter as the Eagles battered the Old Launcestonians' defence with co-captain Jason Bennett creating plenty of opportunities.
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The Eagles could only manage 2.6 at quarter-time, however as their day began to look bleak despite the lead, going one man down on the bench early.
Luke Niejalke's 100th game proved to be one he'll remember for all the wrong reasons as the midfielder was stretchered off late in the first following a lower leg complaint.
Will Archer opened the scoring for the Blues early in the second but Evandale hit straight back with Storay slotting his first on a ground usually featuring his Mowbray Cricket Club wickets.
Goals became a rarity for both sides with play swinging back and forth but powerful forward Alistair Taylor broke the deadlock with a snap to give the Blues a sniff.
A big Sam Bouwman pack mark and goal ended the half with the Eagles sitting ahead by 14 points.
Evandale were able to hold their opponents goal-less again in the third term and hit the scoreboard with five themselves, as Dan Ball provided a touch of magic for two majors alongside Storay, French and Jake Goodyer putting the icing on the cake.
Sucking the life out of the clash with the seven-goal margin hanging over the players' heads, exhaustion plagued the contest heavily in the last term but Aidan Bullman and Kieran Carlton stood up with individual moments of brilliance leading to goals from Storay and Damien Wrankmore.
Campbell Fraser kicked the Blues' first major since mid-way through the second as Laine Cleaver scored to minimise the margin by a kick in the dying seconds.
Carlton and Bullman led the way for the Eagles, with Goodyer and Billy Jack impressing through the middle as Ezra Jackson, Will Archer and Tom Faulkner put in strong performances in a disappointing end to a solid season for the Blues.
Evandale's year will continue to be on the line as they face St Pats in an intriguing contest next week.
Final Scores
Evandale 11.13 (79) defeated Old Launcestonians 4.16 (40)
Evandale best: Carlton, Bullman, Goodyer, Jack, Maher, Chugg
Old Launcestonians best: Jackson, Archer, Faulkner, Johnston, Fraser, Walker
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