CRT Sept 728x90

nthgiplogoCOWWARR handed Woodside their second straight defeat, the Saints booting nine goals to six after the main change to hit the lead at the 24 minute mark of the final home to sneak home one point victors 16.15 (111) to 17.8 (110).

Renowned for their slow starts to seasons, it has been quiet the month for the Saints who up until round four hadn't record a win, since that day against Glengarry they have won three from five and have marched up the ladder to sit within striking distance of the top five.

The match was evenly placed at the first change both sides desperation at the ball evident with the Wildcats taking a nine point lead at the break. The Saints regrouped as they worked hard to match the home side before the main change but it was Woodside that further extended their lead at the long change.

The sides exchange blow for blow on the scoreboard in the third term, booting three goals apiece the Wildcats appeared in control with a 13 point buffer separating the sides.

However it would be the Saints who were never heeded after the final change, led by best on ground Shane Galea, fleet footed Ben Plozza who finished the contest with a bag of six and Sean Alexander the Saints made their challenge in the final minutes of play to hit the lead by a mere point. The side's efforts enough in the closing stages of the contest.

Plozza was joined by Kyle Stammers (four) and Shane Morgan (three) as the leading goal scorers for the Saints.

For the Wildcats Justin Staley added six to his season tally of 35, while midfielder Adrian Fazioli worked hard to set up opportunities for his side.

Inaccuracy in front of goal haunted fifth place Churchill who failed in their efforts to knock over the undefeated HEYFIELD Kangaroos.

Three points separated the sides at the final siren with Churchill's jitters in front of the posts preventing the Cougars from railroading the ladder leaders.

Trailing by 38 points at the final change, the Cougars pulled together the strongest final term performance of the season booting 6.5 (41) to Heyfield's mere one major.
The late challenge was driven by Travis Brighton and coach Allan Chandler with Brendan Holt and Nic Celima the go to men in front of goals. Left shell shocked, the Kangaroos didn't have an answer as the Cougars did at will what they pleased narrowly beaten by the clock.
A persistent physical Tiger line-up prevented third place ROSEDALE from dominating the contest against Gormandale, the Blues winning 14.10 (94) to 8.5 (53).

It was far from one way traffic throughout the contest, however as they have frequently done throughout the season the Tigers struggled to score a major in the premiership term with their sole major for the quarter courtesy of Daniel Trease coming late in the quarter.
In cold damp conditions the Blues did enough to build on their lead and register their sixth victory although it was far from a convincing one.

Addressing his team ahead of the contest Gormandale captain Luke Hegarty pointed it out that it was "time for the team to stand up" noting to the side "it starts with you" and that is what the Tiger line-up did early, placing Trease and Wayne Henry forward.

Hit hard head on Rowan Diamond was an early casualty for Rosedale, as the Tigers hit the man and ball hard as they worked hard to intimidate their higher ranked opponent.
It did little to rattle the Blues, the visitors opening their account early before adding a further two as Andrew Flanagan imposed his presence in the forward 50.

Rosedale's Dale Fleming was sublime in the first term, his tenacity and tackling drawing the attention of coach Nick Leechino on the boundary line.

Gormandale settled with their first major set up by the experienced campaigners in Trease and Daniel Domaille. Trease's side kick to Domaille set up Henry who halted the Blues run of majors.

The Tigers pressured the Blues defence, with thirds player Will Flanagan working hard to contain Trease and was ably supported by the back six of Scott Johnstone, Chris Hughes, Frazar Brouns, Ryan Carpenter and Nathan Flint who worked well under pressure.

Gormandale's first was quickly answered with Rosedale's fourth, followed by another to Flanagan ahead of quarter time.

Tiger coach dished up a serving at the quarter time huddle, wanting the side to "really attack it, attack it harder" was his catch phrase rallying his side to "really attack".

The Tigers did exactly that Trease with the first shot at goal from the centre clearance his shot missing, before best on ground Jarryd Gilroy goaled directly in front.

It was answered by Rosedale's Brad Scott, before Trease added his second to reel the margin back to 18 points. Trease was at it again as he worked hard to gain possession and make it two on the run, his shot missing to the near side.

Frustration began to boil over in the Tigers backline, undisciplined play boiled over Steve Burgess having a free kick reversed on him which looked to gift Craig Mayman at shot on goal, Mayman's kick missing to the near side.

An out of jail card saw the Tigers defence through Sam Marks rebound off half back with Matt Sheridan and Josh Sandy picking up the loose ball to drill the Tigers forward for their second.

Flanagan added another to his match tally, as the key forward wrestled with the frustrated Tigers full back who lost his cool giving away another free kick and resulting major.

Fleming made it two in a row for the Blues with his major on the run blowing the margin wide open ahead of half time.

The premiership term was a one sided affair, Rosedale dominated the term scoring the first four for the quarter in quick fashion. Before the scoring dried up, with play concentrating back and forward between the respective half back lines. Rosedale's Adam Diamond was superb in his sweeping role across half back sending the Blues forward time and time again. While the goal of the term was a left foot snap to Chris Lowe who was bemused when he was dragged following his major.

Clearly disappointed by his sides "given up" attitude, Henderson was unimpressed making it clear that "if your slow come and have a rest". Wanting more from his side, Trease opened the proceedings in the last and Henry added is second as they looked to gain some respectability on the scoreboard.

Outscoring the visitors three goals to one, the Tigers reeled the margin back to 41 points at the final siren.
A barnstorming SALE CITY booted six goals to one in the final quarter to kill the contest against TTU.

Led by best on ground Matt Lutze, Jake Milham and Brad McKay the side boasted plenty of ammunition in and around the contest along with in front of goals with Jake Schuback, Mitch Bennett and Lutze key figures in the forward 50.

The Bombers were well and truly in the contest for three quarters of the match, with City holding a narrow 10 point lead at the final change. However it would be one way traffic in the final term, with the Bombers failing to make it two on the run.

GLENGARRY made a welcome return to the winners list with the reigning premiers never faulting in their clash on the road against Boisdale/Briagolong.

Getting their season back on track at the same ground last year, the Magpies will be hoping their 46 point victory will put them in good stead for their clash against Churchill in a fortnight following the week's bye.

Welcoming a number of players back to the fold the Bombers were competitive in patches with Regan Tait and Marty McDonough leading from the front. However it was the Magpies seven goal to two opening term which set the tone for the contest and saw the Bombers playing catch up footy against a side that has struggled to hit their straps.

Magpies Ben Truin and Josh Piper finished the contest with three a piece, while Danny Pratt was the pick of the goal scorers for the Bombers.

By Lauren Carey

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