Gippsland Times |
SALE climbed to the top of the Gippsland League football ladder after defeating Traralgon by nine points in a hard fought game.
Sale retained the Peter Hug Memorial Trophy for the sixth time in a row with its 13.11 (89) to 12.8 (80) victory.
The Magpies' win may have put paid to Traralgon's 2014 finals hopes, however the Maroons were brave in defeat.
Sale got off to a flying start with three quick goals before the Maroons fought back surprising the Magpies with their pace and held a seven-point lead at the main break. Traralgon speedster Hayden Britten (three goals) was particularly impressive until he went off with a dislocated shoulder.
Sale looked flat having lost Kane Fraser early with a leg injury, and when Jack Lipman went off just before the main break following a heavy fall, the Magpies looked to be in trouble.
The game was in the balance at half-time and the Magpies needed someone to rise to the occasion. It came in the third quarter when high marking full forward Mitch Davis kicked three of his six goals, giving Sale back the match-winning advantage.
Lipman had recovered at half-time and with brilliant ruck work, gave the Magpies first use of the ball, setting up Tye Morrison, Justin McLay, and Adam Wallace who took control of the midfield.
Sale worked its way back into the match through relentless tackling pressure and powered away, taking back the lead to go into the final quarter 14 points up.
The Sale defence with Shane Fyfe and Joel Wallace prominent held the opposition goal-less for the third quarter. However, Traralgon desperately fought back in the final quarter with four goals to three, but was unable to bridge the gap as the Magpies' defence held sway.
After the match, Sale coach Matt Ferguson highlighted Davis' performance.
"Mitch was huge when it counted - we needed someone to stand up, and Mitch was our man," he said.
Had it not been for Davis' effort, Sale may have tasted defeat for the second time this season.
Ferguson also commended the effort of the younger players especially forward Evan Johnson who was on debut having been a late inclusion for the injured Tom Hams.
Traralgon impressed with the effort of key forward Justin Fulton (four goals) who had three different opponents, Lee Stockdale (three), Michael Burge and Jesse Bird who gave their all for four quarters.
Sale is now a game clear of Morwell and Bairnsdale, but faces tough games with away matches against Leongatha and Wonthaggi to come next.
