The Standard | NIRRANDA has stunningly entered the race for a Warrnambool and District league elimination final berth with an upset win against Kolora-Noorat.
Aidan Cole’s side clings onto fifth spot on the ladder with a round to play thanks to the 12.7 (79) to 10.11 (71) win at Nirranda Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
In what was an enthralling encounter, the Blues burst to a 7.5 to 3.5 lead at half-time but had to come from behind after the Power hit the front with a six-goal third term.
Nirranda is 6.17 percentage points clear of Old Collegians but likely need a big win against South Rovers to hold onto fifth. The Warriors play Deakin University.
“Before the game I spoke to the boys about the conditions, they were suited to real in-and-under, hard, tough football,” Cole said.
“Right from the first bounce to the siren we were pretty physical at the football and pushed them off the ball, got our hands on it and ran away with it.”
Cole said the win would “definitely be up there” as one of the Blues’ best during his two seasons at the helm.
“When it was everyone’s turn to go, they all stood up and had a red-hot crack,” he said. “But a couple who did stand out and took the game by the throat were Danny Craven and Pete McDowall.”
James Dalton kicked a three goals while Mitch Couch and Jack Spokes were also prominent for the Blues. Ruckman Jake Richardson, key defender Michael Sleeman and onballer Joe Kenna led the way for the Power.