Border Mail | WANGARATTA Rovers produced the biggest comeback in its proud history to run down Myrtleford by five points in an astonishing match at W.J. Findlay Oval on Saturday.
Trailing by 49 points at half-time, the Hawks hit back to hit the lead at the 23-minute mark of the final quarter when Brad Collihole snapped a goal from a congested boundary throw in.
Alpine Saint Christian Burgess had a remote chance to claim victory when his shot from 65m after the siren fell short.
It was the club’s biggest comeback win since 1993 when the Rovers trailed Wodonga at quarter-time by 42 points before going on to win by 14.
Daniel McCullough led the revival.
After being held goalless in the first half, the classy forward kicked three goals in the third and four more gems in the final term to turn the match on its head.
He was unstoppable, marking everything that came near him and kicking miraculous goals that kept the Rovers’ pursuit alive.
Myrtleford had been superb in the first half dominating every facet of the game with Willie Thorne, Brad Murray and Brodie Riccardi (four goals) outstanding.
The Alpine Saints went in without Morris medallist Kristan Height, who was unavailable due to best man duties.
Some serious soul searching and devastation among the playing group at half-time was the catalyst for the second half stunner, according to Hawk coach Paul Maher.
“The boys were gutted and embarrassed at half-time with their performance and addressed it with honesty and openness that we drive among all players,” Maher said.
“The change in the boys’ game after the break was a credit to their belief and desire to prove to our supporters what they can produce.
“There is a great spirit among this team that is made up of almost all local juniors and this is something we are very proud of.”
Maher was lavish in his praise of the efforts of McCullough.
“His effort was personification of courage and leadership,” Maher said.
“It’s not hard to pick up some very good habits on the back of a great win like this.”
Myrtleford looked to have answered the challenges on several occasions in a second half that started with four straight Rovers goals.
Twice in the frenetic final term the Alpine Saints kicked answering goals when the margin got to one point before Collihole became a hero with his snap goal.
Myrtleford had started like the Rovers finished when they kicked the opening five goals in 10 minutes of sparkling football.
The seven first quarter goals were followed up with another five in the second to set up what most thought was an unassailable lead.
Alpine Saints coach Brad Murray, who was superb throughout and almost got his team over the line, had no excuses post match.
“Unfortunately when we needed players to stand up and lead we were found wanting,” Murray said.
“We lacked leaders and were like rabbits in front of a spotlight.
“We didn’t handle the pressure in the last quarter and threw our composure and use of the ball out the window.
“We aspire to play finals football and we need to put up back to back wins if this is to happen.”
The Rovers also look to have found a potential star in Tyler Lowe, who showed great poise throughout his impressive debut.
