Gippsland Times |
A NEAR full strength and far more experienced Sale was much too strong for a youthful Warragul side in Gippsland League football.
The Magpies ran out easy 146 point winners - a record winning margin over the Gulls. Sale won 26.16 (172) to 4.2 (26).
Despite the score and the slippery and showery conditions, the match played at Western Park was of a good standard.
Sale displayed a superior skill level, moved the ball quickly, was better at ground level, and won most of the aerial contests.
The disciplined Magpies, who were instructed to share the ball around, did so to perfection having 13 different goal kickers. Sale's accuracy in front of goal was impressive in the wet conditions with John Gooch and consistent goal sneak Josh Woods leading the way, kicking five goals each.
The talented Woods provided the highlight of the match in the first quarter kicking an near impossible left foot snap goal from the forward pocket boundary.
Under pressure for most of the day, the young Gulls were powerless to stop the Magpies big men Gooch, Mitch Davis, Matt Ferguson and Jack Lipman, from controlling the air. With 36 inside 50s, the Magpies gave the Gulls' defenders a torrid time all day.
Sale runners Justin McLay, Kane Martin and Tye Morrison found plenty of space as did midfielders Luke Collins and Tom Hams, who got plenty of possessions.
Sale's defence was again almost impenetrable with Shane Fyfe in great touch in the first half before going off with a slight injury, setting up many forward moves. With Fyfe off, it was Nick Mason and Joel Wallace who both knocked up getting kicks in second half.
To their credit, the determined Gulls, with a number of first gamers, kept battling away but could only manage one goal in each quarter.
Against the odds Joe Lane, Brad Scalzo, Chris Lee and Brendan Sheehan all tried hard and Cooper Minichiello was effective at centre half-back, keeping Ferguson to two goals.
Sale is now in good shape for the next Saturday's blockbuster game against top side Morwell at home.
Horror run continues
DROUIN didn't score until the second half in its 162-point thumping at Bairnsdale.
With the Redlegs booting 12.10 (82) to 0.0 by half-time, the result was never in doubt. Booting 15 goals to two in the second half, the home side won 27.18 (180) to 2.6 (18).
James Gibbs kicked 12 goals and Sam Pickett seven for the Redlegs. Bayden Ashwood was strong in defence.
Parrots hold off Lions
LEONGATHA defeated Moe for its third win of the season.
Trailing by two points at half-time, the Parrots booted five goals to two in the third term to lead by 17 points at the final change. The Lions out-scored the visitors in the final term by fell seven points short, 11.4 (70) to 9.9 (63).
Chris Bruns and James Parry provided plenty of skill in the middle of the ground for the Parrots, while Zach Vernon was solid in defence.
Leigh Sheehan was the Lions' best player.
MORWELL hosted Traralgon yesterday. For details go to www.gipps landtimes.com.au or read Friday's Gippsland Times.
