by Jim Gordon
WALPEUP UNDERBOOL V JEPARIT RAINBOW
Walpeup Underbool seem to have shaken off their two week run of sluggish losses to record a commanding 95 point victory over Jeparit Rainbow at Underbool on Saturday. The Roos had plenty of goal kicking talent to overrun the Lakers and restore their top of the table lead.
This match was a very fast, open game, with rapid fire ball movement up and down the ground by both teams. The difference between the two sides in the end was that Walpeup Underbool was more skilful, they had too much class all over the field and they had two stars on the day that at no stage could the Lakers contain. David Piasente up forward and Josh Stone in the midfield kicked 12 goals between them with Piasente’s nine elevating him to a clear best on ground for the Roos.
At times Jeparit Rainbow looked good, they even moved the ball as well as Walpeup Underbool, but lacked the forwards to convert. Play was more even than the final scores indicate with the Lakers kicking one of their highest totals of the year, but they still lost by a huge margin.
Walpeup Underbool were desperate to get off to a good start after some poor first quarters recently. Kyle Munro was the first to score after a strong mark, but Jeparit Rainbow responded with the next two goals and it looked like being a good contest. When the Roos settled into their game plan, they began to edge clear. Their forwards were on top with Kyle Munro scoring four for the term and Wade Champion was looking strong in the marking contests.
Relentless pressure was causing turnovers and Walpeup Underbool were able to make use of Laker errors and were able to kick clear in the second term by linking well and running off half back. After a run of seven unanswered Walpeup Underbool goals, the Lakers regained some momentum and were able to score four of their own to take some momentum into the half time break.
Jeparit Rainbow continued to take risks and it was starting to pay off with two quick goals to start the third term. Sean Bayzand and Andrew Watson were linking well for the Lakers and the Roos needed to steady and stop the run. It was Piasente who was able to push forward and he scored a much needed goal. With that, the Roos were away again as team work that seemed to be missing in previous weeks had come back.
The final term was all one way traffic. Piasente continued to be dangerous in front of goal, booting five for the quarter in a dominant performance. In what was a high scoring encounter, the Roos finished with ten goal scorers and the Lakers eight
Jeparit Rainbow entered the game without Simon Clugston, Aaron Beer and Lucas Edelsten from their defence. When Adam Schumann injured his shoulder in the first quarter in only his second game back from a similar injury and didn’t come back after half time, the Lakers’ depth was seriously tested. In response after it was all over, coach Luke Werner praised the efforts of the young inexperienced Jeparit Rainbow defenders singling out Brett Jensz and Tim Miller for special mention.
In somewhat of a surprise move, the Lakers played Justin Chilver at centre half back against Wade Champion. Only when Champion was off with a yellow card late in the second quarter did Chilver spend much time in the ruck. Chilver played a good game out of position and was able to restrict Champion’s usual dominance.
One Laker forward to play well was Heath Clugston who was dangerous in kicking four goals. Ash Clugston and Sean Bayzand won lots of the ball and showed their class, youngster Nathan Cocks had a great battle with the experienced Darren Latta on the wing, Ash Cook and Ben Marra worked hard for their side in the midfield.
Next week is a vital game for Jeparit Rainbow as they take on Woomelang Lascelles in a battle to avoid the wooden spoon. Unfortunately for the Lakers, Adam Schumann and Simon Clugston will definitely be missing, Tyler Edelsten could also join them on the sidelines although Aaron Beer may return.
WOOMELANG LASCELLES V HOPETOUN
In a season of upsets, Woomelang Lascelles’ 32 point victory over Hopetoun was as unexpected as any. What a great day for the Cats! They tackled hard, ran all day and more importantly put four quarters of football together. Woomelang Lascelles’ win not only gives them the four points and a move off the bottom of the ladder, but it helps them to regain some much needed credibility in the MFL.
Scores were tight all day. Hopetoun hit the lead at three quarter time and their supporters would have expected the Devils to have gone on with it and won the game. The Cats had other plans, they dominated the final term and eight straight in the last quarter sealed the deal.
Last week the Cats suffered against the Demons by playing far too loose. This week it was another story. Their close checking and great tackling didn’t allow Hopetoun’s premier ball movers to dominate play. Joel Donnan was already doing a great job on Kain Robins before the Devils’ key playmaker went down with an injury.
Woomelang Lascelles had good players on every line. Kane Bannam played really well through the middle and into the half forward line, Jayden Lonergan kicked a handful of goals up forward and was very dangerous all day and Trent Donnan did a lot of damage through the middle. Chris Lee was on top at centre half forward with four goals.
For Hopetoun Liam Price is in great form and never gave up all day. Luke Carr also showed his class with a consistent four quarters, but in the end the cats had to many winners on the day and thoroughly deserved the win leaving the Devils with plenty to contemplate.
Woomelang Lascelles will by ruing the fact that they were not been able to play this well earlier in the year as lately they have shown that they can match it with the best sides. This great win for the club sets up a bottom of the table clash next week between the Cats and the Lakers.
SEA LAKE NANDALY TIGERS V OUYEN UNITED
It’s all over for the Dees! Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers’ seven goal victory over Ouyen United means that in effect the Demons will not be there at finals time to defend their 2011 Premiership flag.
After a season of ups and downs, United had to bow to the Tigers’ superiority on a day when they fought hard, but could not match Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers’ skill and talent across the ground.
An even first have, and a great nine goal to four haul by Ouyen United in the second term, was followed by a one sided second half that saw the Tigers tear away from the Dees. The match winning third term was when they got right on top, holding United to only one goal for the term whilst kicking six themselves.
The Tigers capitalised on their opportunities in the first term to be three goals up before United lifted their intensity in the second by moving the ball quickly and running hard into their forward half. John Jackson and Pete Caldow were winning the clearances in the middle and Jarrod Erlandson and resting ruckman Troy Moncur were dangerous across half forward.
The Tigers knew that they had to get back on top in the centre and they were able to do so through Luke Martin who was once again dominant in the ruck. Matt Elliott continued his good form and Sea Lake Nandly Tigers were able to get the ball quickly down to their forward line where Jarrod Arentz with nine goals and Jarrod Alderton with three were causing headaches for United’s backline.
Andy Roberts was a very solid contributor for the Tigers and John Foskett kept Ryan O'Callaghan relatively quiet.
Last Modified on 22/07/2012 20:42
