Some commanding performances from the ladder leaders in typified the sixth round of the Mallee Football, and as the league shifts into inter-league mode next week, a well deserved week off will be welcomed by most players and officials.
The first match of round 6 saw an inform Hopetoun take on a Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers side
determined to bounce back from last weeks shock drubbing at the hands of Beulah.
The first quarter was hard on both teams as players worked hard in hot conditions,
trying to get on top. The Tigers took a 2 point lead into the first change, and as
the game opened up in the second quarter, they were able to extend that out to 23
points by halftime. The second half saw the Tigers slowly pull away from the Devils
who struggled to string multiple goals together. Although only being 30 points down
at 3 quarter time, a 6 goal final quarter by the Tigers put the game out of reach
for their opponents, winning by 55 points.
Cliff Ryan was dominant in front of the goals, slotting 7 majors and Lachlan Gilbert kicked 3. Luke Martin has run into some good form over the past couple matches and was named best on with Cliff Ryan.
For Hopetoun, David Johnstone, Lucas Puckle, and Zac Robins each kicked 2 goals. Zac got
plenty of the ball and was Hopetoun's best on with Hayden Drew.
The second match of the round had the winless Jeparit-Rainbow taking on the strong
Woomelang-Lascelles outfit in summer like conditions at Woomelang. The Lakers
started well, finding plenty of the footy and pressuring their opponents well around
the ground, but were unable to capitalise as the Cats gained the ascendancy through
the first quarter and came out with a 14 point lead.
Kicking to arguably the favoured end, the Cats dominated the second term and piled on 9 goals 8 to Jeparit-Rainbow's 1 goal 2, taking a 76 point lead into the long break. Poor kicking
for goal in the third quarter meant the Cats were not able to extend their lead in
the third quarter, but 7 goals to 3 in the last term meant that Woomelang-Lascelles
were able to boost their percentage with a big 102 point victory.
Caylan Lyons kicked his first bag for the year with 4 goals and Jeremy Phelan and Jayden Lonergan each kicked 3. Nyaburu Kelly and big Jack Shannahan were the best players for
Woomelang-Lascelles. For the Lakers, who battled hard all day, Nathan Millard and
Thomas Clugston kicked 2 goals each while Luke Werner, Adam Shultz, and Lucas
Edelsten were in the best.
The final match of the round played up to its hype as Ouyen United travelled south
to take on the front running Beulah on their home turf. Both teams boast classy
players on all lines, and it was Ouyen's midfield who started better and put on 3
quick goals. Beulah managed to settle and string some good passages of play
together, and won the quarter 8 goals to 4.
The second quarter saw Ouyen apply more pressure around the ground and the resulting turnovers allowed their outside runners into the game, reducing the half-time deficit to 25 points. The third quarter was anyone's for the taking, but it was the stronger Beulah who took control early and dominated the play.
The Blues kicked 9 goals for the term and showed everyone why they are the team to beat. Beulah ran out comfortable 38 point victors and sit one game clear on top of the ladder. Dennis Redden kicked 4 goals for the Blues, and Dale Shannon put through 3.
Tim McIntosh and Brock Orval were two of the better Beulah players. For Ouyen United, Bradley Vallance was outstanding with 7 goals and was also best on ground for the Demons. Laurence Angwin kicked 4 goals and Marc Hahnel also got in the best.
Walpeup-Underbool had the bye.
By Daniel Huttig
