The 2009 Speed Field Days Mallee League Grand Final was always going to be a very big match with its fair share of passion and expectation.
Both teams investing heavily in recruits of major league standard over summer, each a little under full strength, but the potential still there for an intriguing affair.
Ouyen United impressive to date largely because of running players in Ryan O’Callaghan , Glen Joyce, Pete Caldow and Corey Gregg all providing former Mildura and Swan Hill forward Ash Connick with plenty of opportunities and few excuses. When it comes to centre and on ball players in the national game pace is ace and joint Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers coaches Col Durie and Joe Summerhayes will need to neutralise at least a couple of these guys if they are to have a chance of coming away with the points.
The first quarter started at break neck speed and even the supporters were left gasping. Col Durie for the Tigers was dominant and it was easy to see why he has been selected as the Interleague coach. Pete Caldow was as usual in everything for the Demons and well supported by Corey Gregg and dual Mildura best and fairest Ryan O’Callaghan but forward Ash Connick was not showing his usual accuracy in front of goals missing set shots from close range.
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers received the benefit of an early fifty metre penalty which made a doubtful goal easy but neither side was able to get much breathing space: only a goal the difference in favour of the Demons at quarter time.
No player was prepared to give ground but the Tigers through excellent play from Durie, Matt Elliott and Brandon Standon were looking to have the edge however their efforts were not reflected on the score board. Adam Moore for Ouyen United was keeping Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers spearhead Nathan Wight out of the game and he was well supported by fellow defenders Keiran O’Shannessy and Adam O’Callaghan.
At half time the game still very much in the balance with Ouyen United still holding on to a one goal advantage.
The pace was still explosive in the third quarter. Caldow and Durie were deadly around the packs but Demon recruits Robbie Miller and Glen Joyce were gaining in confidence and now starting to have an impact. Sea Lake Nandaly Tiger’s Lachlan Dowdy and Taylor Hannig were solid and Ouyen United youngsters Ben Gregg and Jordan Manley were also having a say in the game’s outcome, the Demons able to scramble to a two goal lead at the final change.
It still looked like the game could go either way but Ouyen United got the early breaks and goals and soon had a winning lead over the 2009 Premiers. Connick’s accuracy improved and he finished the day with seven, most after half time.
The final margin was not indicative of the game’s high standard, the outcome in the balance until midway through the final quarter. The Tigers have some quality players and will be a tough nut to crack for all sides in the League this season. There was little doubt that the best performances on the day came from Durie, Caldow and Joyce.
In front of a large crowd at Rainbow the home team had first use of the strong breeze. With Jeparit Rainbow’s Corey Waldron and Tim Broadbear continually driving the ball forward the Lakers were wasteful in front of goal, kicking 3.10 for the quarter. Chris Vorweek was outstanding in a Walpeup Underbool defence that kept the Jeparit Rainbow forwards under pressure.
In the second quarter it was Jeparit Rainbow who defended well. Laker’s player Jayden Werner was outstanding all day with strong marks and lots of run out of defence. Jeparit Rainbow’s Ashley Clugston and Roo Darren Latta were having a great duel on a wing. Tim Vallance was winning lots of the ball for Walpeup Underbool and was causing the Lakers problems. Roo’s coach Tansley Hill was also playing well.
After leading by 8 points at half time, Jeparit Rainbow got on top in the third quarter as the wind increased in strength. They exerted great forward pressure to keep the ball locked in their half. Peter Weir kicked three of his five goals for the Lakers in this quarter. His fast leads and strong marking presented a huge problem to the Walpeup Underbool defenders. Luke Werner was providing lots of run out of the the backline for Jeparit/Rainbow and Tim Price was rucking well.
In the last quarter Walpeup Underbool made a valiant effort to catch up. Matthew Palmer who had played well in defence in the previous quarter for the Roos, was now playing well up forward. Jeparit Rainbow held on for a 17 point win which was a great tonic for the club after recent events.
This was an impressive effort by the Lakers with great tackling and hard running a feature of their game. With Justin Chilver set to make his debut for Jeparit/Rainbow next week they will look forward to future games with lots of confidence. Walpeup Underbool will provide tough opposition to any one who plays them in the future.
Last Modified on 25/04/2010 09:49
