by Daniel Huttig
Inclement weather did little more than put a dampener on Round 11 of the Mallee Football League, with quality football showcased in all three matches. Beulah went west as they took on Jeparit-Rainbow in the first match of the round, and it was the home side who were quick to get on top. The Lakers were able to achieve what no other team has been able to do, as they held the Blues scoreless in the first quarter. The Blues had the wind at their backs in the second term and were quick to hit the scoreboard. They put through 7 goals for the term and took a 32 point lead into the halftime break. Jeparit-Rainbow continued to work hard in the third term, but were unable to capitalise on the wind advantage and were only able to kick 2 goals 3 to Beulah’s 3 goals 3. The final quarter was a mere formality for Beulah as they put through another 7 goals, and ran out comfortable victors by 81 points. Goal kickers for Beulah included Lachy Foott with 4 goals, Denis Redden with 3, and Andrew Hughes and Callum Buchanan kicked 2 goals each. Fabian Dorbolo was a clear best on ground, while Shaun Monohan and Tim Darcy were also in the best. Christopher Meyer was the only multiple goal scorer for the Lakers with 2 goals, while the better players included Elliot Bath, Wyatt Bacon, and Ben Marra.
Walpeup-Underbool and Hopetoun did battle for the second match of the round, and it was Hopetoun who were able to adjust to the conditions quicker than the home side, and the Devils were up by nine 9 points at the end of the first quarter. Despite Walpeup-Underbool controlling much of the play in the second term, Hopetoun still held onto a 3 point lead at halftime. It was a different bunch of Roo’s who came out after the long break, and they quickly set about working their way back into the game. They were fierce around the contests and this reflected on the scoreboard as they kicked 3 goals 4 for the term and kept Hopetoun restricted to a solitary behind. The final quarter was one way traffic as the Roo’s put on another 5 goals and held the Devils goalless. At the final siren, Walpeup-Underbool were able to celebrate a big 51 point win. Kane Munro was a standout in the forward line for the Roo’s with 8 goals in a best on ground performance. David Piasente and Benjamin Matthews were also in the best. Hopetoun’s David Johnstone battled hard all day, kicking two goals and being named in the best along with Adam Dufty and Simon Cook.
The final match of the round saw Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers host Ouyen United over at Culgoa Recreation Reserve. Ouyen didn’t waste any time in hitting the scoreboard, but inaccurate kicking for goal saw them unable to put the Tigers away early. The Tigers had their turn with the wind in the second quarter, but were also unable to find the goals as they kicked 1 goal 6 for the term. They managed to keep the Demons goalless however, meaning Ouyen United held onto a slim 6 point lead at halftime. The Tigers hit hard after the long break with a 5 goal third term and the game was all but over in the final quarter as the Tigers kicked another 5 goals to Ouyen’s 1. In the end, the Tigers were comfortable 40 point victors. Lachlan Gilbert, Darcy Ryan, Cliff Ryan and Jarrod Arentz all kicked 2 goals for the Tigers, while Lance Brown and Jordan Doering were the better players. Ouyen United’s Bradley Vallance kicked another 3 goals, while Andrew Jardine, Simon Jardine, and Jason Hahnel were the better players for the Demons.
Last Modified on 29/06/2014 16:04
