Kangarilla are just one win away from a grand final berth after defeating Kersbrook by 37 points at Birdwood Oval in week one of the Hills Football League (HFL) Country Division finals series. An entertaining first quarter saw Kersbrook take a six point lead into the first break. Kangarilla hit back in the second quarter, kicking three goals to one, and took a seven point lead to halftime. The third quarter was going to be key to the result and so it proved as Kangies kicked five goals to two and turned for home with a handy 26-point lead. A further four goals to two in the last term saw Kangarilla win 16.12 (108) to 10.11 (71). Tom Hall kicked six goals for Kangarilla and Jamie Grosser kicked four. Jonathan Ross led the way for Kersbrook with five majors. Aydan Bartlett, Brendan Hillier, Michael Ross, Adrian Albanese and Hall were named as best players for Kangarilla while Aaron Killian, Brad Pearce, Ross, Brad Inglis and Ryan Xanthopoulos were best for the Brookers.

Birdwood advanced to the second preliminary final by defeating reigning premier Gumeracha by 21 points at Kersbrook. Birdwood were well on top at halftime as they led by 23 points.The lead could’ve been much larger but for the Roosters kicking an inaccurate 6.7 (43) to 3.2 (20). A further three goals to two in the third term saw the Roosters take a handy 28-point lead into the final term. Brookers coach Roger James tried to rally his troops in the final term to keep their season alive but they couldn’t bridge the gap as Birdwood won 10.10 (70) to 7.7 (49). Mark Lamborn, Mason Ashby, Christian Elliott and Sean Williams all kicked two goals for Birdwood. Ben Hanna and Scott Mumford each kicked three goals for the Magpies. Josh Coleman, Lachlan Godden, Trevor Wohlfeil, Scott Sullivan, Mason Ashby and Fraser Gehrich were best for an inspired Roosters lineup. Danny Leith, Brendon Moon, Hanna, Daniel Wood, Cooper Robertson and Lachlan Carpenter were best for the Magpies.

Preliminary Final fixtures

Ironbank-Cherry Gardens v Gumeracha (Macclesfield Oval, Saturday 2.30pm)

Birdwood v Kangarilla (Birdwood Oval, Sunday 2.30pm)