Jim Gordon reviews the round 12 action in the Mallee Football League.

Jeparit Rainbow v Ouyen United

In a close and entertaining contest at Rainbow, Ouyen United prevailed by the smallest of margins over a gallant Jeparit Rainbow side desperately unlucky not to come away with a win. The one point victory moves the Demons four points clear of the Cats in the battle for fourth spot on the MFL ladder and makes it just about impossible for the Lakers to play finals football this year.

A win for Jeparit Rainbow would have been a just reward for club legend and six times Best and Fairest winner Heath Clugston who played his 250th game for the Lakers. Named one of his side's best on the day, the talented and reliable Clugston has given everything to Jeparit Rainbow over many years and this game was typical of his other 249. Despite the disappointment for Clugston and his team mates, this was a game to savour.

Most of the scoring was at the hospital end. The second quarter demonstrated Mallee football at its best - fast flowing football with 13 goals scored between the two teams. The second half of the game saw the other side of Mallee football; it was tough, relentless and hotly contested with both defences on top. A game that had already been enthralling to watch really came alive right at the end with a cracker of a last quarter.

The closeness of the scores kept the supporters on the edge of their seats as first one side, then the other looked likely winners. It was nip and tuck in a great quarter of football and in the end, the Ouyen United defence, can hold their heads up for not wilting under what was at times a relentless Laker onslaught.

Jeparit Rainbow methodically worked away on Ouyen United's lead to level the scores half way through this term. After Damien Cupido missed a couple of shots on goal, he finally got United's only major for the quarter. But Jeparit Rainbow weren't finished yet, they goaled again and we were in for a frantic final couple of minutes.

Lead by Tim Weir, the Demons refused to give in when it seemed like the Lakers might just snatch a win to reinforce their good recent record against United on their home turf. Weir was cool in the crisis, he punched and harassed when necessary and took a timely mark or two to relieve the pressure.

Looking at times to be found wanting for pace, Dom Leach persisted and became a valuable player for the Dees and even went forward and goaled just when it was needed. Leach's team play, clear direction and never-say-die attitude was contagious as the Demons fought to hold off a worthy adversary.

Laker Ben Marra did a very good job on gun Demon full forward Damien Cupidio. The close checking Marra was able to hold the star forward to five goals. Marr stood up in the man-to-man contests. The last time these two sides met Cupido kicked a memorable 17 goals in a Demon rout of the Lakers.

Ouyen United kicked with what seemed like a three to four goal breeze in the first term and although they held the quarter time lead, they seemed to lack direction in their forward half. Jeparit Rainbow had things almost all tied up by half time and United missed their chance to go into three quarter time with an unassailable lead by failing to bust the game open in the third term when things were running their way.

Keen to win for Heath Clugston, Jeparit Rainbow came into the game with a belief that they could win. Unfortunately for them, they missed too many shots on goal to take advantage of the times when they dominated in general play.

Ben Mole for Ouyen United did well in the ruck in the absence of Leigh Gniel and Laurence Angwin, Bradley Summerhayes was prominent and is improving each week, but the star for United was Henry Armour who really knows how to read the play and is one Demon who can deliver the ball with authority and accuracy into the forward line.

Laker Joel Schulze took advantage of the absence of Angwin to dominate hit outs well supported by Josh McCleary. This helped midfielders Heath Clugston, Chris Meyer, Elliott Bath and Nathan Millard win a lot of the ball. Meyer was quite outstanding, hard at the ball all day and he ended up kicking three goals. Nathan Millard played his best game for the club so far as a midfield/forward.

The Jeparit Rainbow defence was missing key defenders Simon Clugston and Adam Schulze. Joel Schulze was outstanding and long with Ben Marra, half backs Lucas Edelsten and Josh Murphy also stood out. Murphy again took several strong marks and defender Tyler Edelsten kicked a rare goal. Overall, Jeparit Rainbow had 11 goal kickers. The injury worries continue for the Lakers, this time they had an early injury when Jesse Day went off with knee problems in the second quarter.

This was an enthralling contest between two sides battling it out in the middle tier of the MFL ladder. There may be a gap between both side's best and the top three sides, but on their day, they have the ability to make the top sides take a second look over their shoulders.

Jerry Wilson is a chance to return from injury next week for United, but Peter Caldow and Angwin are big shoes to fill especially as the Dees come up against ladder leaders Beulah next week. Jeparit Rainbow have a winnable game against Hopetoun and a last ditch effort to challenge for the four.

Beulah v Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers

Beulah came out on top in the battle between one and two on the MFL ladder with a five goal win over Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers at Beulah. Trailing by nine points at three quarter time, the Blues overran the Tigers in the final term with six unanswered goals in a dominant display to stamp their authority on the match up between the two sides. Beulah has now beaten Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers twice this season.

The Buchanan brothers once again shone for the home side. Their skill in gathering the ball in the midfield combined with accurate delivery make them a duo that needs watching for the whole game. Callum ended up with two goals and Micah was named one of Beulah's best in a star-studded lineup.

The Blues boast a talented high marking forward line with a range of players who can gather the ball at ground level. The Tiger defence did well to contain Denis Redden and Peter Lehmann to only one goal each. Tiger defender Stephen Lyons was named Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers' best player on the day. Tom Summerhayes played well and the ever reliable Luke Martin was another of their better players.

No rest for the Tigers as they take on the Roos at home next week. The Blues will go into their game against Ouyen United with a lot of confidence, even though their first meeting this year was a very close encounter at Beulah.

Walpeup Underbool v Woomelang Lascelles

After an even first half in which Woomelang Lascelles just held the ascendency, Walpeup Underbool kicked eight goals to five in the second half to run out deserved 12 point winners over a very competitive Cats outfit.

This win keeps the Roos up with those at the top of the MFL ladder. It has them eyeing off second spot and the valuable double chance. Walpeup Underbool are now just one good win away from taking the Tigers' place on the ladder and play them in an enticing matchup next week.

The arm wrestle of the first three quarters of this game continued in the final term with both teams working hard to get over the line. When the Walpeup Underbool experienced midfield of David Piasente, Matt Palmer and Kane Munro began to get on top of their opponents, the Roos were able to string together three quick gaols to hit the lead and they were not headed for the rest of the game.

Woomelang Lascelles did not give up all day. They fought and battled to keep the Roos within reach and very nearly got over the top of the reigning premiers. The slender lead gained by those final three gaols would prove to be just enough for the Roos to get over the line as the final siren sounded on a hard fought game of football from both teams.

Walpeup Underbool began the game well moving the ball into the Roo forwards with precision and accuracy. Wade Champion was going to be dangerous all day evident when he marked strongly to boot the first two goals of the match.

Not to be outdone, Woomelang Lascelles fought back as they had done in the previous game earlier this season when they defeated the Roos at home. The Cats seem to have all the momentum with Nyaburu Kelly playing well on his wing and Dwayne Hamlyn dangerous across half forward. However, the Roos dug deep and were able to end the first term on level terms.

Woomelang Lascelles continued to pressure the Roos in the second term causing turnovers. Both teams were able to move the ball well out of defence. Walpeup Underbool seemed to be struggling to find the form that saw them get over the line against Beulah two weeks ago.

The lively Ben Fisher was in everything for the Roos, one minute taking a classy mark in defence, the next minute gathering the ball and kicking a goal. For the opposition, Corey Kelly was putting in another strong performance as Woomelang Lascelles took a slender lead into the half time break.

The third term was a tight quarter of football as both sides tried to break the game open. Walpeup Underbool started to work better as a team and scored two quick goals thorough Tyson Gordon and scores were level.

Woomelang Lascelles were able to answer soon after through Jayden Lonergan as the Cats once again were able to fight their way back into the game and into the lead. Walpeup Underbool were turning the ball over, the Cats pounced and were able to capitalise.

With this win, Walpeup Underbool has been able to gain a valuable four points and move closer to second position on the ladder. The Cats will be disappointed at dropping a game that they very nearly won. They are now a game and percentage behind Ouyen United with the bye next week. Lucky for them the Demons face the rampant Blues.

By Jim Gordon