It was the second consecutive year the senior EDFL team has won with authority at Interleague level having knocked over the Alberton League in 2013 by 64 points.
The EDFL led at every change and never looked in any danger. It came out with all guns blazing kicking the opening five goals of the game to stamp their authority on the match. Owen Fitzpatrick led the way with two strong marks and goals before he strained a hamstring and took no further part in the game but his departure from the field did little to stop the goals flowing with the home side ramming on six second quarter goals to open up a 34 point lead at the main break. Captain Shane Brewster led by example and in tandem with Dylan Collis and Tye Holland all three dominated in and around the midfield in the opening half.
To give the MGFL their dues it started to get a bit of cohesion into their play and rallied with three goals in the later part of the second quarter to give visiting fans some hope that it could mount something of a fight back. However it disappointed after half time - unable to impose pressure on the EDFL ball carriers and make their tackles stick.
In the second half the EDFL kept showing a willingness to attack and piled on another 11 goals. Ryan Gillis led and marked well and kicked four second half goals nourished by regular feed from Shane Brewster, Collis, rising star Tyson Bale, Brad and Luke Walker, who continued to be a source of drive. Nathan Lieshout was the cornerstone of the defence and received strong support from Tim Payne while ruckman Matt Gray chipped in with some important possessions around the ground in a superb team effort.
For the MPFL Tyler Hillier was lively across the forward line and their only multiple goal scorer, midfielders Jarrod Bennets and Daniel Metcalfe both ran hard and former Longwarry star Ken Towt made some timely interceptions in defence.
Congratulations to the coach Ron Hampton and selectors John Barnes, Geoff Kimmitt and Matt Shorey who picked a well balanced side that included six players 21 years old or under with a view to the future and all whom provided run and enthusiasm. According to the VCFL rankings released on Saturday night the EDFL will make tracks for Central Victoria to play the Maryborough-Castlemaine League in 2015.
New U/18 coach Darren Ratten savoured his first Interleague victory in charge when his side won by 66 points. Only eight points separated sides in the second quarter until the 10 minute mark. Thereupon the game changed after Jack Barnes kicked a goal off the ground from close in – which was the first of nine unanswered goals to give the EDFL a stranglehold on the game. After quarter time midfielders Jay Engellener and Will Collis danced around the opposition midfielders countless times and Tim Hancock, Jack Nuttall and Andrew Proctor offered plenty of rebound out of defence. Forwards Jai Kerford, Adam Marchetti both scored three goals and along with Jack Barnes this trio provided a strong presence all game. A leg injury to Jack Commadeur, who recently joined Buln Buln from the Dusties was the only low point on a terrific day for the EDFL. His team mates are to be acknowledged for their show of support towards him as he left the club rooms on a stretcher for hospital and on behalf of all EDFL supporters wish Jack a quick recovery. For the MGFL Jeremy Salinger, Luke McGennisken and Harrison Malady caught the eye in the midfield while ruckman Bryson Tullett and defender Tom Follett made their presence felt.
Last Modified on 26/05/2014 07:21