Wycheproof-Narraport v Charlton
Charlton got a way to their usual quick start kicking six first quarter goals and holding the Demons to just the two first term goals. Charlton were showing sign of the form from the first round where they moved the ball quickly and effectively setting up their many scoring opportunities. The demons worked hard for their two goals and at the first break they trailed the Navy Blues by 24-points.
It was Charlton who controlled the game in the second when they continued on with their many scoring opportunities in this term. McGrath was in form in front of the goals and was gaining good support from McKee who returned to the side after missing the past five weeks with injury. Boe Bish and Corey Jones were the main possession winners for the Demon’s but a lot of their good work was going unrewarded. At the main stoppage in play it was the Navy Blues who held a commanding lead of 28-points but it had come at a cost with their key midfielder in Aaron Walklate leaving the field with a shoulder injury which looks likely to have him sidelined for some time.
Heading in with two quarters to go the Charlton side was quick to get on the board with a goal to McGrath. The Demons were trying everything to get back in the game but they could not convert their forward moves. Charlton’s backline was standing firm and it took till late in the term before the Demons would break through for their only goal for the quarter and at three quarter time they trailed by 38-points and the signs were not looking good for the home side.
With a bit of pride at stake the Demons were hoping to put on a good show in the final term but the dominance of Charlton would show through again as they ran the game out better than the Demons as they extended their lead out to 61-points at full time. For the Navy Blues it was a welcome return to the winning list and to top spot on the ladder, for the Demons they now will have to regroup and set their goal on regaining the double chance to challenge for the Halfhide Cup in September.
Final Scores: Charlton 18-9= 117 def Wycheproof-Narraport 7-14=56
Best for Charlton: S. Rogan, D. Thiesz, J. McGrath, J. McLean, T. Finlay, A. Judd.
Goals: J. McGrath 6, J. McKee 3, J. McLean 2 rest singles.
Best for the Demons: Boe Bish, Corey Jones, Jake White, Rolly White, Dec Lourey, Josh White.
Goals: G. Turner 2 rest singles.
Wedderburn v St Arnaud
This game at Donaldson Park Wedderburn was played in front of a very large crowd and nobody left the ground disappointed as they had witness a high class game of football staged by these two skilful sides. The first quarter was low scoring as goals were hard to come by as the two defences stood tall and simply refused to allow any free flowing scoring attempts. Coughlan was first to break the drought when the Saints were able to convert a Wedderburn turnover into a positive for full points. Not to be outdone McKay responded for the Redbacks and brought up both flags in a quick response. Late in the quarter Priest and Tungatalum were able to kick truly for the Saints to give them a slight advantage. Redbacks full forward Sam Barnes marked and goaled to reduce the Saints lead, but it would be his last for the day as he left the field with a leg injury. Wedderburn missed some easy set shots which could have given them the lead at the first change but it was not to be as the Saints went to the first break 7-points ahead.
The second term was again a struggle for both sides and there was plenty of heavy contests which delighted the large crowd Wedderburn were able to break the shackles when Ben DeAraugo and Chalkley kicked majors to have the Redbacks take the lead, Strange added another for the home side and it looked like the Redbacks may just get a break on their talented opposition. Late in the term Saints coach McNamee kick to timely goals to bring the scores level at the main break in play with both sides locked on 6-7, testimony of the quality of the match.
Starting the third quarter with the same margin as when the game started both sides were keen to try and establish some sort of a lead but it as was not fort coming as the game remained locked up until Baldwin kicked the first for the term, Tungatalum also got into the action bringing up his second and the Saints sneaked out to a lead of around two goals. The Redbacks were able to respond when Ben DeAraugo steadied the ship for the home side, McNamee showed some dashes of brilliance kicking two goals late in the quarter to give the Saints a handy lead but the Redbacks through Rose struck back right on siren time to reduce the Saints lead back to 15-points.
It was going to be the battle of the fittest in the final quarter as both sides showed signs of tiring due to the pressure and pace the game had been played at in the opening three terms. With a bit of work to do the Redbacks set out to reduce the lead of the visitors and it didn’t take long before Perry set the wheels in motion, converting for full points after receiving a free kick, Perry turned it on in the final term kicking three match winning goals. Wedderburn kicked 5-goals in the final term and held the saints to just the one goal kicked by Coghlan. De Araugo and Chalkley topped it off for the Redbacks as they ran out winners by thirteen points in what was a top game of football from two great sides who both look like they will play an important part in deciding the winner of the 2013 premiership, as will the other two members of the top four as on form any side on their day could hold the cup aloft on Grand final day.
Final scores: Wedderburn 13-15=93 def St Arnaud 11-14=80
Best for Wedderburn: B. Herdman, R. McHugh, R. Tonkin, C. Perry, B. Strange, B. DeAraugo. Goals: C. Perry, B. DeAraugo 3, A. Chalkley 2 rest singles.
Best for the Saints: J. McNamee, L. Stewart, R. Tungatalum, N. Coghlan, B. Batters, D. McGrath. Goals: J. McNamee 4, R. Tungatalum, N. Coghlan 2 rest singles.
Next week
Charlton v Boort
Donald v Wycheproof-Narraport
St Arnaud v Birchip-Watchem
Wedderburn Bye.
Last Modified on 29/07/2013 12:19