SORRENTO stormed into the MPNFL Nepean Division grand final with a faultless display against Somerville at Rye's Rowley Reserve on Saturday.
The Sharks proved once again they are clearly the best side in the competition, comprehensively beating the Eagles in every department of the game, 16.22 (118) to 10.9 (69).
While the Sharks enjoy a week off to prepare for the big day, Somerville faces its nemesis Red Hill in the preliminary final this Saturday at Rowley Reserve after the Hillmen beat Rye in the first semi-final.
The Sharks set up the win with a nine goals to four first half – 38 scoring shots to 19 was a true indication of the Sharks' dominance.
While Sorrento looked disorganised and arrogant in its round nine game against the Eagles, it showed no signs of any of this on Saturday. In fact, those traits couldn't be further away from the display it showed.
The Sharks' pressure was first rate, their skill level was superb, their commitment to helping one another was significant and they had clearly done their homework on the Eagles and how to shut them down.
A perfect example of this was Somerville's kick-ins. The Eagles smashed the Sharks in this area in round nine.
On Saturday, the Sharks were all over the Eagles' kick-in structure, forced them to go against their normal game style and when they did revert to the short chip, they turned it over through pressure.
Not only was it a sorry day for the Eagles, but also their leading goalkicker Joel Atkins was red-carded and reported for striking his opponent Heath Cameron, who dominated Atkins all afternoon. Sharks' skipper Ben McCormack was also a tower of strength in the defensive zone. Nick Muller did a wonderful job shutting down Leigh Stewart, and Guy Stringer clearly had the better of Glen Boyd. Daniel Moss, Jack Falck and Daniel Villani dominated around the ground and Ben Schwarze with five goals and Brent Kenyon with more than a dozen marks across half-forward were dominant performers.
For Somerville, youngsters Daniel Durant and Emilio Bitters could hold their heads high and Lachlan Edwards was outstanding once again in the ruck. Will Jolley was clearly Somerville's best.
On Sunday at Pearcedale, Red Hill got the jump on Rye in the opening term and was never headed, winning 16.13 (109) to 11.13 (79).
As expected, the Hillmen were far too fleet of foot for the Demons. Jake Mold was again dominant with three goals. Across half-back, where the Hillmen got a lot of drive, Jon Byrt and Andrew Gilmour were instrumental in the win.
Sean Holmes booted four goals and a further nine players contributed on the scoreboard for the red and white.
James Appleford enjoyed another outstanding finals game for the Demons, finishing with six goals, and Aaron Findlay and 17-year-old Jimmy Jennings also proved that they are the future of the footy club.
The Hillmen would fancy their chances against Somerville, having beaten them twice this season and getting within 14 points just two weeks ago.
Rye can be very proud of its achievements in 2010 and looks set to build with youth next season.