by Jim Gordon
Walpeup Underbool v Woomelang Lascelles
Woomelang Lascelles continued their resurgence with a hard fought fifteen point win over last year’s premiers Walpeup Underbool in the Mallee Football League First Semi Final. After languishing at or near the bottom of the MFL ladder for years, the Cats have finally made it back and played a very good brand of finals football to indicate that they just might not be done with yet.
A big crowd gathered at the Beulah ground and paid $9020 to see the Cats win a high scoring shootout with a match winning six goals to four in the final quarter. There were only two points in it at three quarter time. To the Roos’ credit, they fought the game out to the final siren. They have had a difficult year with injury and personal tragedy and after the highs of 2012, the Roos’ season has come to an end with a first round exit.
In a best on ground performance, Corey Kelly dominated in the midfield and around the ground finishing with six goals, all scored in the first half. This was arguably his best game for the year and it could not have come at a better time. Moved into the midfield in the second half, Kelly seemed to thrive on the big game atmosphere and was able to do a lot of damage in the clearances. The Roos simply had no one to stop his domination.
The first term was a tight contest with both teams trying to get their running games going. Kelly scored two quick goals and set up another with his fast run into the forward line.
Walpeup Underbool’s Wade Champion was looking dangerous after missing last week. Champion marked strongly and goaled to put the Roos ahead at quarter time.
The Cats came out firing in the second quarter. They looked determined to make the Roos accountable by hitting each contest hard. Their relentless attack on the ball and their ability to push the ball out wide utilising the open spaces kept them ahead of the Roos for most of the day.
At this stage Kane Bannam was the Cat who was doing the most damage, regularly driving the ball into his side’s forward line. Playing predominantly on a wing, Bannam systematically worked his way up and down the ground covering a lot of territory. His decision making was intelligent and he was able to give himself enough time to use the ball effectively.
With his side nine points down at half time, Jeremy Brown marked strongly and converted for two quick goals leading a Roo revival. Just when it looked like the Cats were on top, Walpeup Underbool were starting to work together pushing the ball deep into their forward line where Champion and Brown were looking dangerous.
Woomelang Lascelles did not panic and were able to stem the flow and turn the tide back in the Cats direction by slowing play down and trying to retain possession for as long as possible. Anthony Foott was performing well across half back and out marked his opponent on several occasions.
With Corey Kelly now playing on to the ball, Woomelang Lascelles were on top in the final term. With his pace he was able to gather the ball and break free from a number of stoppages. Ruckman Josh Radcliffe was also pushed forward and with his size and reach, he was proving to be a hard matchup for the Roo backline. Walpeup Underbool had lost Josh Charles late in the first half to a knee injury.
With Kelly on fire, Woomelang Lascelles opened up a handy break. Kane Munro did everything to try and lift his team mates. Munro lead from the front, winning the ball and pushing it forward at every opportunity.
The Roos kept applying pressure and their good work paid off as they briefly hit the front and even had a slight sniff of an unlikely victory. However, as they had done all day the Cats responded, charging to another handy last term lead. Woomelang Lascelles continued to run and support and looked hungry to progress further into the finals.
Russ Gravestock medallist Trent Donnan did a lot of good work in and around the middle of the ground. Donnan likes it hard and tough and never let Walpeup Underbool’s close tagging get the better of him. At strategic times Donnan’s tackling and smothering changed the course of the game. Along with brother Joel, Trent is the barometer of the team. When the two Donnans get into the play, the Cats are always in with a chance.
Joshua Templeton ran with the dangerous David Piasante for most of the day. Templeton’s one-on-one pressure is a plus for his side, but it is what he does in attack that sets him apart. Templeton took some great marks for such a small payer and still did an effective job of negating his opponent, even though Piasente was one of his side’s best on the day and was forced to leave the ground after a knock to the head.
Chris McMahon was another midfielder to do well for the Cats. His resilience made him valuable to his side in the tight spaces. As tough as they come, McMahon relished the hurly burly of finals football and was well suited to the at times frantic tempo of the game.
William Simpson had a difficult job all day. He started at full back on the dangerous Kane Munro and did well before being moved onto Jeremy Brown in an effort to curtail Brown’s effectiveness. Keeping a cool head that belied his young age, Simpson timed the ball well when he spoiled and never let the intensity of the moment get to him.
Woomelang Lascelles now have a week off before they take on the loser of the Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers, Beulah Second Semi Final at Hopetoun in two weeks time. Walpeup Underbool’s season is over. They will look back on it as a year that was always going to be difficult for the club.
Last Modified on 25/08/2013 14:29
