THE Bendigo Fighting Miners have won their way through to their third successive Victorian Rugby Union grand final.
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Bendigo booked a spot in the Second Division B final after defeating Eltham in the preliminary final at Ashwood Reserve on Saturday.
The Miners won 25-7 in what was a highly physical game.
Bendigo put on a dominant performance in the opening half, racing out to 12-0 lead after 10 minutes of play.
Prop Junior Poto scored the first try, while the second was scored by full-back Phil Keech, who won the race to the loose ball and touched down between Eltham's posts.
Josh Manderson then converted the try.
It was an arm wrestle for the remaining of the first half, with Eltham eventually hitting the scoreboard in the 27th minute.
Bendigo opened the second half in style as five-eight Fareni Moefaauo scored in the opening minute.
Moefaauo intercepted a loose Eltham pass, making no mistake and scoring for Bendigo.
A lack of discipline in the last half of play may prove costly for the Miners as three players received four yellow cards.
Despite the penalty count favouring Eltham, Bendigo's defence was able to hold up its attack.
Moefaauo will have a nervous wait to see if he is available to play in the final, as he received two yellow cards and will potentially face the judiciary.
Prop Matt Roughley sustained a head knock and will have to pass a concussion test before he can play, forward Ale Liliva also suffered a knee injury.
Bendigo will play Maroondah in the final.
The last time the two sides met, Maroondah came out on top, winning 32-13.
The final will be held at Box Hill Field, in Melbourne at 11.15am on Saturday.
