Gippsland Times |
Bairnsdale inflicted Sale's first defeat of the Gippsland League football season with a hard fought seven-point win under lights at the Bairnsdale City Oval.
BAIRNSDALE inflicted Sale's first defeat of the Gippsland League football season with a hard fought seven-point win under lights at the Bairnsdale City Oval.
Sale held the lead nearly all match, but the biggest margin was only two goals in the Magpies' favour at half-time.
Mid-way through the final quarter, Bairnsdale hit the front only to see Sale regain the lead, but two late goals put the Redlegs back in front and they were able to hang on, winning 12.11 (83) to 10.16 (76).
Had it not been for the marking power of Redlegs big men James Gibbs and Wes Russell in the final quarter, the result may have been different, each kicking two goals for the match. Sale defenders had no answer to these two, who rose to the occasion when the game was there to be won.
Added to this, Sale's inability to kick late goals was to prove costly.
During the first half Sale's relentless tackling pressure and better use of the ball held it in good stead.
The early loss of Kane Martin to a persistent hamstring injury was a setback for the Magpies' cause, however the hard work of Tom Hams and Luke Collins was paying dividends.
Bairnsdale's second half was commendable with the Ashwood brothers, Kane and Bayden, leading the way with three goals between them. Redlegs on-ballers Jack Vickers and Sam Pickett also rose to the occasion.
The home side was able to apply second half pressure which tested the visitor's fitness. The Magpies were making numerous skill errors as the rejuvenated Redlegs with their tails up scented victory.
The home side kicked 6.9 behinds for the second half, holding the visitors to only 3.8.
Adding to Sale's woe, coach Matt Ferguson is set to be out of action for six week because of a foot injury.
Exciting Sale youngster Josh Woods was a stand-out up forward with three goals, however the Magpies' forwards were generally off target. Because of this Sale's half-time lead should have been greater.
Consistent defender Shane Fyfe was again prominent in defence, and long kicking Ryan Pendlebury was also effective around the ground.
The rucking duels went slightly Sale's way with the Magpies Harry Kaandorp giving good support for the Magpies.
Power wins tight game
WONTHAGGI won a tight encounter at Moe by 12 points.
Little separated the sides through the match with the Power edging the Lions 12.13 (85) to 11.7 (73).
Aiden Lindsay led the charge for the Power in the midfield, while Earl Shaw and Aloysio Ferreira-Neto kicked four goals each.
James Blaser was the best for the improving Lions, booting three goals.
Little trouble for Tigers
DESPITE missing key players, Morwell had little trouble at Warragul.
The Tigers are now the only undefeated side remaining, accounting for the Gulls 31.19 (205) to 4.7 (31).
Tim Phillips and best-on-ground Dean MacDonald kicked six goals each, while Boyd Bailey and Ryan Tatterson kicked five each.
Horror run for Hawks
LEONGATHA continued Drouin's horror run, winning by 207 points.
For the second week in a row, the Hawks only managed one goal for the entire match, going down 33.20 (218) to 1.5 (11).
Tom Marriott was superb off half-back, while Brent Lynch kicked eight goals, Nick Nagle seven and Aaron Hillberg six.
