The Courier |
A scintillating third quarter from Skipton helped produce an impressive 20-point victory over Carngham-Linton at Snake Valley on the weekend.
The Emus kicked seven unanswered goals in the third term, sparking an exceptional comeback which left their opponents without answers.
Skipton's dominance was particularly surprising given that Carngham-Linton seemingly appeared in control of the game.
The Saints looked calm and composed early, particularly in defence, where they restricted Skipton's forwards and ensured that its scoring opportunities were limited to difficult shots on goal.
The Emus' inability to convert on the scoreboard in the first half (2.8) contributed to their woes as they entered the main break, but no one could have prepared for what would ensue after half time.
Particularly influential were Emus' midfielder Luke Todd, who was prolific in the second half, and dangerous forward Cameron Valentine with four majors.
Skipton coach Matt Rea said the result was a reward for persistence.
"Their (the Saints') pressure in the first half was sensational, we just couldn't get any free ball or any of our run going," he said.
"I thought that we started to click late in the second quarter. We came in at half time and knew that last five minutes was how we wanted to play.
"The boys kept it up and they got the reward for it."
Skipton moves up to 10th position on the ladder, with finals still mathematically possible. However, the Emus will need to produce their best against Daylesford next weekend.
For Carngham-Linton, it was an opportunity gone begging. The Saints similarly had their eyes on a potential finals berth and would have risen to ninth with a
victory.
Instead, save for a miracle, it appears that the hope of finals football has been dashed.
Coach Jamie Briody said the second half was a disappointing turn of events.
"The run we had in the first half was extinguished, instead we were chasing them," he said. "Credit has to go to Skipton. They really attacked the ball hard, while we started to become second to it."
The 11th-placed Saints will look to atone for the result when they encounter Waubra next weekend.
The continued form of defender Jack Savige, as well as ruckman Aaron Braeckmans, were positives on a disappointing day for Carngham-Linton.
For the victors, Brett Conroy was a star in defence while forward Simon Lockyer bobbed up in crucial moments of the game.
