Border Mail |
TALENTED Wahgunyah teenager Brydon Robins kicked a point after the final siren to salvage a draw against Chiltern in their Tallangatta and District league showdown at Wahgunyah on Saturday.
Under immense pressure, Robins comfortably made the distance from 45 metres after taking a pack mark but lacked the accuracy to give the home team its fourth win of the season.
It was the fourth time this season the Lions have had a result decided by less than a straight kick.
“It’s a bitter sweet feeling I guess,” Chiltern coach Kirk Wilson said.
“To be in front with a small amount of time left and let them get a kick inside 50 metres is tough, but these are the guys we are fighting with for a spot in the finals and it’s better to split the points than let them get ahead of us.
“You would rather get two points than none.
“Wahgunyah is full of run and quick and will do a bit of damage this year.
“We had some good positives come out of it.”
In a typical TDFL match this season, both teams had runs of dominance with Chiltern gaining good drive through Jaise Coleman, Dane O’Neill, Matt Manns and Wayne Shannon.
But each time Wahgunyah responded, with Nick Brockley again proving lethal with eight goals and Terence Jones continuing his strong form.
Wahgunyah coach Adam Dodd admitted having mixed feelings about the result.
“Last year we were losing the tight ones so it was good to get something out of it,” Dodd said.
“The competition is even and, although we are eighth on the ladder, we aren’t far away.
“Young Brydon had a lot of pressure on him and did well considering all that was going on.”
Tallangatta opened its winning account with a 76-point victory over Beechworth.
After an even first half, the Hoppers slammed on nine goals to two in the third term with Kaine Parsons, Aaron Downie and Richard Spink leading.
Parsons was outstanding with seven goals.
Beechworth had its best player Josh Holding sent off for abusive language in the final term.
Kiewa-Sandy Creek defeated Yackandandah by 70 points.
The Hawks recovered from a slow start to emerge victorious through the efforts of Adam Telford, Guy Telford, Travis Knight and Steven Jamison.
Sam Witherow and Lachlan Maslen played well for Yackandandah.
