by Jim Gordon
Jeparit Rainbow v Woomelang Lascelles
In a fiercely contested game at Rainbow, the Lakers came from behind to upset the Cats by only three points. After trailing by 22 points at the five minute mark of the third quarter, Jeparit Rainbow then proceeded to outscore Woomelang Lascelles by six goals to two and gain a much needed win after a run of heavy losses.
The Cats have only themselves to blame. They were coming off a very good win over the Demons the week before and they lead for most of the day. In the end, the Cats just couldn’t get a big enough break to hold on for a win over the dogged Lakers. A win that would have firmly placed them in the top four.
Woomelang Lascelles were simply outplayed by a side that wanted to win more than they did. The Cats have had trouble playing at Jeparit or Rainbow and the pattern continued. This win could haunt them for the rest of a season that was starting to look promising. If they had won, it would have put them two games clear of Ouyen United. As it is, they now look to be in a bit of bother.
Both sides were hard at the ball all day. The two defences were on top and both sides wasted a lot of shots at goal. Laker Club President Brett Fisher celebrated his 300th game in what was a memorable win for the club.
Last week Corey Kelly was Woomelang Lascelle’s best in their great win over the Demons. This week it was Nyaburu, Corey's brother who was best for Cats in what was overall a mediocre team performance.
Jeparit Rainbow were significantly strengthened by inclusions. The return of coach Luke Werner, Josh McCleary, Greg McLeish, Nathan Millard and Eliot Bath served to lift the Laker line up all over the ground. Their experience was vital for Jeparit Rainbow when the game was there to be won.
After an even first quarter with both defences on top, the second term heated up when Woomelang Lascelles’ Jamie Church was yellow carded. This seemed to inspire the Cats and helped by key Jeparit Rainbow turnovers, they broke away to a handy 20 point lead at half time.
At first Jeparit Rainbow could not make much of an impression on Woomelang Lascelles in the third term, but with Simon Clugston dominating across half back with his strong marking and Eliot Bath in only his second game for the club winning lots of the ball, the Lakers were within striking distance at three quarter time.
The last quarter was really hard determined football from both teams. Two goals to Jeparit Rainbow saw scores level for a few minutes. Then Andrew Watson took a strong pack mark and kicked truly to give the Lakers a lead that they would not relinquish.
Woomelang Lascelles were attacking right at the end, but great defence from Adam Schultz held them out during the last couple of minutes. Shultz was playing as a loose man across half back and backed his judgement to take several telling marks to hold out the Cats.
Heath Clugston once again showed leadership all over the ground. Chris Meyer was strong in the midfield while Andrew Watson played at both ends of the ground. Brett Fisher held Josh Ratcliffe goalless and Greg McLeish worked hard up forward to kick three goals.
The Cats will be ruing a lost chance to consolidate their top four spot. With games coming up against the Blues and Roos their position looks precarious.
Hopetoun v Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers had a comfortable 56 point victory over Hopetoun at Hopetoun. The Devils remain winless on the MFL ladder while the Tigers are sitting comfortably in second place, equal on points with first placed Beulah.
The Tigers played well in patches and did what they had to do to get the four points. They won every quarter, they had a star up forward in Cliff Ryan and they had a dominance in the middle with Dan McEwan not only rucking well, but going forward.
In a game that never really reached any great heights, Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers did enough to show that they will be around come finals time in the fight to secure the double chance.
Cliff Ryan had a great day in the goal square. He kicked nine goals in what was a lone hand up forward. McEwan chimed in with three goals and leading forward Jason Collins collected two, but it was Ryan who was the star.
In only his second game for the year, Luke Martin was solid in defence and he was ably assisted by Joe Summerhayes. Tom Summerhayes continued his excellent form in the middle and the run of Bill Barry returning from injury, was welcomed by the Tigers .
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers were down a man early when Ben Notting went down hard in the first quarter. Liam Barry did not return to the ground after half time.
For Hopetoun, Cade Wellington was their best, Zac Robins and David Baulch played well. Next week the Devils front up to Ouyen United in the Demons must win as they are just out of the four. Hopetoun desperately need a win to lift their long suffering fans.
Beulah v Walpeup Underbool
In a nail biting finish at Beulah, Walpeup Underbool scored a significant, if last minute win against the MFL leaders. The Roos on the way back after a lacklustre start to their season and they have now climbed to within four points of second spot on the ladder and the vital double chance.
The Blues let slip a chance to leap three wins ahead of Walpeup Underbool and now find themselves hauled back even on points with the Tigers and one win in front of the Roos. The game was anyone’s right up until the final few minutes.
When Matt Palmer was moved to the forward line, the Roos, who were three goals down, were suddenly back in town. Palmer had an immediate impact by running in two quick goals to give the Roos a sniff. The siren was sounding as Tyson Gordon’s snap for goal sailed through and with it went Beulah’s chance to go three wins up on the Roos.
The battle was on right from the start as both sides were well aware of the significance of this match. Walpeup Underbool were able to score first in perfect conditions at Beulah after some desperate play from Ben Fisher.
Both teams were running hard, they were applying plenty of pressure, causing the opposition to make mistakes. Micah Buchanan for Beulah was having an impact early as was Luke Nathan for the Roos. Beulah were able to find a loose man just before the siren to go into the first break with the lead.
The second quarter was goal for gaol as first Walpeup Underbool and then Beulah were able to score goals quickly. When the Blues fought their way forward to score the next two, it looked like they might be getting on top.
The Roos were trying everything to stop Beulah’s momentum and they did so by tightening up and fighting hard late in the term to be within a goal at half time.
The game seemed to go up a gear in the third term as both teams fought hard to push the ball forward. Wade Champion got the first goal after half time for Walpeup Underbool after some close checking from Kim Hallam.
Not to be outdone, Beulah fought back and after some desperate defence
they were able to creep out to a two goal break and seemed to be wearing down the Roos whose turnovers were again proving costly.
The final quarter was Mallee football at its spine tingling best. Walpeup Underbool continued their good start to quarters scoring the first through a hard running Tyson Gordon. Dennis Redden was proving to be a handful for the Roo backline in this quarter and just when the crowd thought that the game had nothing left to offer, up jumped Matt Palmer and the rest is history.
The season is not over yet. Beulah won’t sit back and let the Roos dictate play. The next contest between these teams should be another ripper and then the finals will be just around the corner.
Last Modified on 16/06/2013 14:13
