Gippsland Times |
ROSEDALE led from the outset, proving too strong for Traralgon-Tyers United on Sunday.
The Blues won the clash between second and third on the North Gippsland ladder, 15.11 (101) to 10.13 (73).
In a high-scoring first term, both back lines were quickly under siege as the opposing forward lines went about flexing their muscle with nine majors scored.
Leading by two goals at the first change, the Blues extended the margin out to 18 points at half-time, a margin they would work hard to build on in the third term. However, the Bombers had other ideas, working hard to stifle the Blues' running brigade and give themselves a chance in the final term as they trailed by 13 points.
As they had all day, the Blues kept the home side at bay to claim second place on the ladder.
Magpies move into top five
GLENGARRY moved into the North Gippsland football top five after a 22-point win at Cowwarr.
The contest between the competitions in-form sides lived up to all expectations, with an epic battle which ebbed and flowed, particularly during a third term full of highlights.
The Saints opened the scoring in the second half with Pat Tainsh goaling from the opening bounce. From there it was all Glengarry with Josh Piper winning the centre clearance to set up Engley with his first goal of the term.
Engley made it two in a row after he combined with Brock Rowson, who cleared the ball from defence with a low kick hitting Engley’s chest.
A free kick against Cowwarr defender Kevin Hood allowed Chris Wangman to combine with Josh King who goaled. It was followed by another indiscretion by a frustrated Hood, who gifted Engley with another goal as the Saints failed to clear centre half-forward.
The Saints halted the Magpies’ run, registering their second for the term.
A 50 metre penalty then put Shane Galea within scoring distance before a strong mark to full forward Tim Johnston in front of Ben Truin saw the Saints reel in the Magpies’ margin.
An undisciplined act by Lochie Little handed a 50m penalty to Johnston who had little trouble slotting through the major from the goal square.
A total of 13 majors were scored during a frenetic term of football, which saw the Saints reel the margin back to 15 points at the final change.
Glengarry scored the opening goal of the final quarter as it worked hard to ensure club legend Trevor May’s 350th senior match was marked with victory.
The Saints got the quick response before Engley added yet another to his match total of nine goals.
The final term was full of match winning moments, King’s crunching tackle brought Lee Cooper down in front of the interchange benches and quickly turned the ball over with Wangman goaling.
Not to be outdone, Saint Shane Morgan’s tackle and second attempt at regaining possession against Robbie Cahill and Chris Panayioto was exemplary and kept the Saints in the contest.
The Magpies maintained their edge in the final term, winning 19.7 (121) to 14.15 (99).
Engley was important for the Magpies’ when it mattered, his third term effort was brilliant and set the ascendancy.
Ruckman Aaron Winkler worked hard, Cahill and Matt Royal won individual contest after contest around the ground and defender Truin was a standout early on Saints' forward Johnston.
For the Saints, Tainsh was a catalyst in the engine room, Galea was solid and had an impact in front of goal while Siaosi Lay-Blake was tireless.
Top defeats bottom
TOP side Heyfield ended a winless run of two matches by defeating bottom-placed Boisdale-Briagolong at home.
Two late goals from the Bombers saw the visitor’s fall 14 points shy at the final siren, 14.16 (100) to 13.8 (86).
With Heyfield doubling the visitors' score in the first term, the Bombers rallied in the second term to outscore the competition's top side five goals to two to go into the rooms five points up at half-time.
The sides went goal-for-goal in the third term with the Kangaroos’ inaccuracy in front of goal ensuring the Bombers remained in the hunt.
The home side opened the scoring early in the final quarter before the Bombers made a late charge on the scoreboard to fall shy of the line.
Jesse Bedggood kicked five goals for the Kangaroos, Brenton Dinsdale toiled hard, while Shaun Humphries was a clear winner in the contests.
For the Bombers, Jon Burge, John Cook and Danny Pratt booted three goals each, with James Cook their best.
Wilcats back on winners' list
FOLLOWING a winless month, Woodside returned to the winners' list with victory against Sale City catapulting the Wildcats back into the top five.
Starting the contest strongly, the Wildcats appeared poised to run away with a convincing victory, however the Bullogs booted six goals to three in the second term to put themselves back in the contest.
Led by Mitch Evans and Mitch Bennett who booted three goals each, the Bulldogs reduced a 22-point deficit to four by half-time.
The Bulldogs kept at the home side in the third term, reeling the margin to two points with experienced campaigners Matt Lutze, coach Joel Brayshaw and damaging midfielder Brad McKay leading the way.
The Wildcats responded with Justin Staley answering the challenge on the scoreboard, Josh Griffin created something out of nothing on several occasions, while Stephen Lambert played his role well.
Woodside gamely held on to win by 10 points, 17.8 (110) to 14.16 (100).
Cougars back on track
CHURCHILL returned to the winners’ list, posting a three-goal victory against the Gormandale, 12.13 (85) to 9.13 (67).
Beginning slowly, the Cougars failed to register a major in the opening term as the Tigers skipped away to a commanding 20-point lead at the first change.
The visitors responded, boasting 10 scoring shots to four in the second quarter to draw within four points at the main break.
Maintaining the momentum, Churchill clicked into gear in the second half to slam home eight goals to four with Brendan Holt, captain Chris Williams and Joey Whykes the main men in front of goal.
Churchill ruckman Andrew Brown provided headaches for the Tigers two-pronged ruck attack, Williams continued his stellar form amassing possessions in the midfield as he put his more experienced opponents on notice, forward Holt provided a key target, while Brad Knowles also imposed his presence.
