The Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers have stamped their authority on the Mallee Football League with a spirited come from behind win over second placed Woomelang Lascelles.
It was a game of two halves at the Woomelang Recreation Reserve when a fresh and fired up Cats team came out firing early. The Cats were out to prove that they can match it with the flag favourites, and that they did, doubling their opposition's score in the first half. Jayden Lonergan was dominating up forward with all of his 5 goals coming in the first half. Lonergan was ably supported by Devin McFarlane, who had 3 goals at the same stage.
Pierce Liddle's fantastic season continued. His ferocious attack on the football and great running capacity had him winning the ball in all parts of the ground. Trent Donnan and Jake Hogan were also providing opportunities for driving the ball forward inside their attacking 50.
However, when the two sides come out in the second half, the game took a huge turn. The Tigers must have copped a decent spray during the break, and they responded with a 9 goal third quarter. Their key forwards ignited. Jason Collins, Jarrod Arentz and Cliff Ryan combined to kick 8 goals between them. The Cats defence simply couldn't go with them.
Reece Luehman was again pivotal in the ruck, and Wes Harrison found space on his wing and was involved in many attacking plays.
The Tigers finished with 4 goals to 2 in the last to win by a comfortable 25 points. It seems they will be impossible to catch at the top of the ladder now with a 4 game buffer.
The Southern Mallee Giants survived a late come back by Walpeup Underbool to hang on by 8 points.
It was all Giants in the early parts of the game. Their key forwards in Kain Robins and Brock Orval were proving a handful and had 6 of their teams 12 goals by half time. Onballers Tyler Lehmann and Clint Burdett displayed their exceptional ball winning capabilities, Lehmann also making his mark on the scoreboard while resting forward.
The Roos' Richard Thomas and Ryan Anderson were keeping their side in the game. The half time break was pivotal as the Roos found something to get themselves back in the game. Joshua Plozza was getting on top in the ruck and Ben Fisher and Kane Munro were finishing off the good work up forward with 4 and 3 goals respectively.
With only 16 points separating the two teams at the final change it really was anyone's game. The Giants rallied to kick 2 quick goals and extend the lead to 28 points. However the Roos weren't done yet. They responded by kicking the next 4 goals while the Giants squandered opportunities. However the Roos left their run too late, and a final dash to the line was cut short by the final siren.
By Dale Shannon