by Jim Gordon
Woomelang Lascelles v Jeparit Rainbow
Woomelang Lascelles may have just guaranteed themselves a final four finish with a resounding 77 point thumping of Jeparit Rainbow. The first quarter was even, but the Cats charged out of the blocks at quarter time to quickly stamp their authority on the game with a seven goal to nil second term.
The Cats have a two game and healthy percentage buffer over Ouyen United, the only other side who can displace them from their first crack at finals football in a long time.
With games against Beulah and Walpeup Underbool coming up, it could come down to percentage as the Demons have winnable match ups against Hopetoun and Jeparit Rainbow. United are going to have to win their games by huge margins and hope that the Cats lose both of their games also by big margins.
The Cats had an even spread of good players against the Devils. Chris McMahon was a standout for he second time in two weeks. Jayden and Aaron Lonergan gave Woomelang Lascelles a potent forward line. When the ball hit the ground, the Kellys were dangerous with Corey kicking four and Nyaburu two.
The first quarter was tight, but after that the game opened up and Woomelang Lascelles were able to get on top. Inaccurate kicking kept the margin closer than it really should have been. They were competitive, but lacked the depth of player talent. Woomelang Lascelles would be pleased to finally have a good win over the Lakers as they have been a problem side for the Cats for quite a while. With a few to still return to their line up, the Woomelang Lascelles’ side should only get stronger.
From the outset, a strong wind was blowing across the ground to the outer flank, slightly favouring the netball court end. Jeparit Rainbow once again entered the game missing several key players, but they made their presence felt early and stood up well in the first quarter. Elliot Bath and Chris Meyer were winning lots of the ball in the midfield and they were able to stay with the Cats - at least for the time being.
Once the home side had the slight advantage of the wind, they made the most of it. Woomelang Lascelles dominated the second quarter reducing the opposition to a mistake-ridden rabble in the blink of an eye. It was a very poor quarter from the Lakers with numerous mistakes, poor decision making and poor kicking.
After half time the Jeparit Rainbow players picked up and played with much more desire. Unfortunately for the Lakers, their good play was not reflected on the scoreboard. Constant rain in the second half made the conditions very slippery so that it was going to be difficult for the visitors to get back into the game. The wind was too strong.
Nathan Millard was one who played well as a midfielder/small forward for the Lakers kicking two goals. Lucas Edelsten and Luke Werner battled hard across half back, regularly taking a number of intercept marks between them. Heath Clugston was solid all day if not as dominating as he has been recently. Chris Farrell also stood up in the second half either in defence or in the ruck.
Woomelang Lascelles were on top in the final quarter and held the Lakers scoreless. For Jeparit Rainbow, two quarters of competitive football just were not enough. If the Cats can just get close to the Blues and the Roos in the final two games, a semi final is theirs for the taking and they deserve the chance to play finals football after a much improved season.
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers v Hopetoun
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers had an emphatic 64 point victory over Hopetoun at Culgoa in very windy conditions. The majority of the goals throughout the day were scored at the highway end of the ground. The Culgoa community made the most of their opportunity and presented the ground and its facilities very well.
This win just about seals the double chance for the Tigers. Even if they go down to the Blues in the final match of the season, a good win over the Lakers next week should assure them of at least second spot on the ladder.
Hopetoun approached this match in a positive way and seemed determined to make Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers fight hard for the points. In a tight tussle the Tigers eventually broke away for a good win. The Tigers started well with the aid of the breeze kicking eight goals to two. However, the second quarter belonged to the Devils as they sliced the deficit to 16 points at half time.
It was a respectable effort from the Devils. Although the scoreboard may not have rewarded the hard work that Hopetoun put in. In the end, it was the polished finishing from the Tigers that was the difference between the two sides and is indicative of just why they are a top two or three side.
The second half belonged to the Tigers as they really got going, outscoring the Devils to the tune of ten goals to three. The last quarter was a wet slog which may have had the farmers in the crowd smiling, but the Hopetoun players would have been looking for the showers.
For second week in a row Simon Weekley kicked a bag of goals (seven) and was named best for the Tigers. Not far behind him Cliff Ryan scored six in a very potent Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers forward line. Lance Brown played a loose man down back for the majority of the second half and played the role very well. Luke Martin played well in both defence and in the ruck, whilst the run of Darcy Ryan and Andy Roberts was exceptional. Dan McEwan rucked well and gave his smalls first use around the ground.
Quentin Willmott battled hard all day for Hopetoun and without his hard work, the difference on the scoreboard could have been greater. He played a lone hand in stopping several almost certain Tiger goals in the last line of defence. Scott Heath tried hard all day.
Luke Carr was a key focus when the Devils went forward and he ended up with seven goals. The Devils found Tigers Steve Lyons and Lance Brown almost impassable at times. Brown was responsible for setting up plenty of play across the half back line.
Leigh Stewart continues to impress on a wing for the Devils.
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers must win next week against Jeparit Rainbow in order to secure the double chance. Hopetoun have their final game for the season at home against Ouyen United and a good chance to go out on a positive note in what has been a dismal season for them.
Walpeup Underbool v Beulah
All season Walpeup Underbool has been asked the question of whether or not they can go back to back after their outstanding 2012 premiership year. The answer has alternated throughout the year with their results. A string of injuries and player unavailability, losses to the likes of Woomelang Lascelles, Beulah and Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers (twice) gave voice to those who believe the Roos might have had their day.
But on Saturday against competition leader Beulah, the answer appeared to be a resounding yes as the Roos opened up the top of the MFL ladder with an eight point win over the Blues.
Beulah began the game well, pushing the ball forward on numerous occasions which resulted in the Blues kicking the first goal of the day. The Roos fought back and were able to steady as Wade Champion scored his first for the day and consecutive goals came when Josh Charles was able to give the Roos first use of the ball. Towards the end of the quarter Beulah started to tighten up and apply pressure on the Roos.
Beulah got off to a perfect start in the term second quarter with a quick goal to Dennis Redden. Walpeup Underbool responded quickly and it was game on.
Josh Coates was putting his body on the line for the Roos across half back taking some strong defensive marks as Beulah continued to attack.
Things weren’t going all the Roos way and they found themselves down to 15 men when they lost Ben Fisher to a lower leg injury and a yellow card. Walpeup Underbool fought out the remainder of the term to desperately hold on to a slender lead.
Beulah continued to attack the undermanned Roos with the result that the home side had to stack their backline and were able to smother the Beulah forwards by applying plenty of pressure with their attack on the ball. David Piasente was leading the attack for the Roos as he gathered numerous possessions and the game opened up as both sides tried to stamp their authority.
When Matt Palmer was pushed forward it had an immediate impact. His two quick goals were indicative of Walpeup Underbool’s spirit and they were able to hold the Blues. When their players returned to the ground, they extended their lead to over four goals by the final change.
Beulah scored the all important first goal in the final term as the rain began to fall. The slippery conditions made ball handling difficult as the Blues continued to attack. Tim McIntosh was proving to be a handful for the Roos on the wing. He pushed Beulah into their forward line on several occasions.
Walpeup Underbool were required to dig deep, defending hard at every contest. Beulah managed to scramble a late goal and there were only two kicks in it by the time the final siren went to a terrific game of football.
Lead by Kane Munro and Jeremy Brown, Walpeup Underbool’s backline performed well. Tyler Lehman had a very good game for the Blues in the midfield. Tim McIntosh played well and Bradley Shannon was a good contributor.
The supporters of both clubs have been treated to some great competition between the sides this year. Presumably they will meet over the finals series when we can expect to see another hard fought encounter.
Last Modified on 04/08/2013 21:52
