Gippsland Times |
LEADING for over three quarters of the match, Boisdale-Briagolong was again reminded how cruel the game of footy can be.
The Bombers were left to watch as Glengarry turned its fortunes around to snatch a 21-point victory, 8.16 (64) to 6.7 (43) and move within a win of the North Gippsland football top five.
The margin didn't reflect the Bombers' efforts during a physical slog in heavy conditions at Boisdale.
Boisdale-Briagolong skipped away to an early quarter lead and as the conditions continued to deteriorate, its 20-point margin appeared a handy one, but the Magpies showed why they are a quality side to draw within two points at the final change.
In a conditions which favoured small crumbing forwards, the tall timber of Glengarry struggled throughout the contest to buy a goal as they continually let the Bombers off the hook with their inaccuracy and inability to make the distance in front of goal.
Matt Shears opened the scoring for the Bombers, as both sides worked hard to move the ball forward of the centre.
Magpies Anthony McMahon and coach Ryan Potter amassed possessions early, however the side's forwards struggled to find the main posts as their shots sprayed the face of goal.
Matt Royal and Josh King working hard to gain possession but couldn't capitalise their shots on goal.
Defensive pressure by the Magpies' forwards resulted in a quick turnaround with Royal scoring to put the visitors in front.
Strong tackling was the highlight of the first term, keeping on their feet at the critical moment was more than just a challenge for the players.
A kick on the wing from Bombers' best-on-ground Adam Helmke hit the chest of full forward Danny Pratt, who opened his account with a direct kick from outside 30 metres. The home side registered its third ahead of quarter-time.
Potter was firm with his side in his quarter time addressing, wanting it to play an instinctive brand of footy, reinforcing to them the importance of playing "man on man" and "getting to the contest so we have people there".
Boisdale-Briagolong made the most of its first entry forward in the second term to extend the margin to 20 points. The margin was quickly extended to 26 when Pat Gordon roved the pack to slot through a lower drubbing major.
The Magpies scored their first goal of the term after Potter received a 50 metre penalty, reeling the margin back to 19 points at half-time.
Michael Lush opened the Magpies' account in the opening minutes of the second half.
Mark Engley made his mark as he slotted through a major as the Magpies quickly took flight and mounted a challenge.
With their lead gone, Bombers coach Daniel Sandeman spoke few words at three-quarter-time.
"It's time to stand-up, everyone needs to be a leader out there now. Be up and about and you can win this game," Sandeman told his players.
Sensing victory, Glengarry also lifted, holding the Bombers scoreless for the term.
Engley scored his third, it was followed by a long shot at goal by Dean Brooks before King kicked a difficult goal as the Magpies sealed their third straight victory.
