Gippsland Times |
A GRITTY performance from Sale City deprived Yarram its first away win in North Gippsland football.
The Bulldogs won by four points, 9.15 (69) 9.10 (65).
The Bulldogs opened the match with a six-goal to one first quarter with majors from Jake Milham, Shay Ferguson and Nick Grainger.
With coach Hayden Burgiel directing traffic from the sidelines, the Bulldogs' dominance came from a classy midfield which benefited from ruckman Matt Lutze's first use of the ball with best-on-ground Brad Walsh staring in the engine room alongside Rowan Bell, Byron Shingles, Jake Schuback and Josh Barbetti.
The home side's ferocious attack on the footy and the man can be best described as ruthless. The pressure placed on the Demons was second to none and found the visitors napping on occasions.
The tables turned in the second term. Corbin Sutherland registered a goal, the first of the Demons' three for the quarter as they slowly chipped away at the deficit.
Josh Swift added the Demons second in a row, before Sutherland added yet another to bring the margin back to within 10 points.
The third term also belonged to Yarram, who again out-scored the Bulldogs three majors to one. Coach Grif Underwood led the charge as his side lifted the intensity in the slippery conditions.
Trailing by 10 points at the final change, the Demons got a sniff of victory when Michael Lush and Josh Swift combined to level scores.
City had its chances to shut the gate on the contest, however, missed opportunities kept the Demons in with a chance before Walsh provided the ball to Mitch Bennett, who kicked his third goal to hand the Bulldogs what would be an unassailable lead.
THE end of the match between Woodside and Traralgon-Tyers United was delayed after concerns for Wildcat Cameron Whiteoak during the final term.
The game was suspended while waiting for an ambulance to collect Whiteoak, who was knocked unconscious in a sling tackle with fears of a neck injury.
After being taken to hospital, Whiteoak was cleared of any serious injury, with just a bad headache, but will sit out next week's match.
The delay didn't rattle the Wildcats, who held on to record a 13.5 (83) to 9.12 (66) victory.
The Bombers began the contest strongly in a desperate attempt to get their season on track. Boasting 11 scoring shots to one, the visitors galloped away to a 25-point lead at the first break, however failed to make the most of their dominance on the scoreboard.
The Wildcats responded to strong words from coach Chris Pettitt to draw to within three points at the main break.
The home side then slammed five goals to three to take a 10-point lead into the final change of ends.
Little separated the sides in the final term with the Bombers, through Pat Sharp and Marcus Pilgrim, working hard to maintain possession with their work rate and intensity more than matched by Woodside's Clint Staley and Shane Kilgower with Adrian Fazoli providing the spark in front of goal.
Cougars too strong
CHURCHILL proved too strong for Boisdale-Briagolong, recording a comfortable 13-goal victory on the road.
Subdue in the first term, the Cougars came out firing in the second, booting six goals to two to take a commanding six-goal lead into the long change.
Led by Brad Knowles and Tim Darby, who kicked five and four goals respectively, the visitors inflicted further damage in the third term, extended their lead to 70 points at the final change.
While the Bombers exchanged blows on the scoreboard, the Cougars held the upper hand, winning 23.17 (155) to 11.7 (73). Midfielder Chris Williams was sublime, Travis Brighton continued his impressive start to the season, while Knowles was dangerous in front of goal.
The Cougars boasted many avenues in front of goal, with nine goal scorers, including seven who multiple majors.
The Bombers toiled hard but struggled to match their higher ranked opponents. Kyle Ashton was their best player, while Steve Pollard and John Burge finished the contest with three goals each.
Withering third term
ROSEDALE had to unleash a withering third quarter burst of seven goals to overrun a determined and hard-working Cowwarr.
Rosedale's strong third term established a commanding lead, one it didn't relinquish.
The Blues continuing their relentless attack on the footy in the final term kicking a further six goals to four, to hand Cowwarr a 63-point defeat, 20.18 (138) to 10.15 (75), its first loss in over three weeks.
With seven goals, Brad Scott outshone league leading goal scorer Andrew Flanagan, who kicked five. Adam Diamond, Luke Stuckey and Scott were among the Blues' best.
Simon Ferguson was the Saints' best, while Shane Morgan and Linden Brunt kicked three goals each for Cowwarr.
Tigers' happy Mother's Day
IT was a happy Mother's Day for Gormandale, who broke through for its opening win of the season against arch rival Glengarry.
The Tigers began strongly before grinding to an almighty halt in the final term as they failed to register a major as the premiers made a late charge.
Leading by 26 points at half-time, the Tigers and Magpies exchanged blows, adding six majors each during a highly entertaining third term.
The Tigers went into the final term 27 points ahead with midfielders Brendan Solomon, Josh Sandy and Daniel Domaille dictating the game on their terms.
Registering the opening two majors, the premiers made their move, however the clock counted down on their challenge as the Tigers held sway, winning 14.14 (98) to 11.16 (82) to regain the Keith Lang-Bill Onley Cup.
