by Daniel Huttig
Three games went ahead this weekend to complete round 16 of the Mallee Football League, and perfect weather conditions greeted players and spectators alike. The rivalry match between Ouyen United and Walpeup-Underbool was the first match of the round, and both teams were looking to bounce back from narrow losses last week. A close match ensued as both teams put on two goals for the opening term, with intensity high at every contest. The Demons were the first to gain the upper hand in the match as they lifted in the second quarter and pulled away to a 39 point halftime lead, after keeping the Roos goalless. After the break the Roos set about reducing the deficit and were able to work their way back into the match. They put on 4 goals to Ouyen’s 3 and looked to have the momentum heading into the final quarter. The Demons had all the answers in the last term however, and ran out comfortable winners by 48 points. This win saw the Demons move up to third on the ladder as they make their charge towards the finals. Goal kickers for Ouyen United included Relton Roberts, Marcus Healy, Peter Caldow, and Bradley Vallance, all of whom kicked 3. Alexander Morrish and Jordan Manley were the better players on the day. For Walpeup-Underbool, Jeremy Brown and Travis Latta both kicked 3 goals, while Ryan Stacey and Travis Latta were in the best.
Woomelang-Lascelles had the daunting challenge of taking on ladder leaders Beulah on their home ground, and were not helped by a number of injuries to senior players. Never the team to take a backwards step, the Cats immediately stamped their authority on the match as they dominated the first term and quickly got out to 10 point first quarter lead. Beulah came back fighting in the second term, but wasteful shots on goal saw them head into halftime with only a 6 point lead. The Blues were unable to break open the shackles in the third term, as they commonly have this season, as the Cats continued to fight and make the most of their opportunities. As the game moved into the final quarter, the Blues held a 12 point advantage and the match looked to be up for anyone to take. Beulah were dominant in the final term, and after holding the Cats scoreless for the quarter, ran out 48 point victors. Gareth Hose kicked 5 for the Blues with Brock Orval and Tyler Lehmann kicking 3 and 2 goals respectively. Rory Shannon and Gareth Hose were amongst the best for Beulah. For the Cats, Jason Kreuger and Jayden Lonergan both kicked 2 goals, while Christopher Foott and Joshua Ratcliffe were amongst the best.
The final match of the round saw Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers and Jeparit-Rainbow do battle and the Tigers didn’t waste any time in getting down to business. They put on 4 goals the Lakers 1 for the first quarter and were looking strong around the ground. The Lakers were able to work their way back into the game during the second term, but the Tigers were still sitting pretty as they put on another 4 goals, and took their lead out to 25 points. As has been the case all season, the Tigers took their game to another level in the third term and played on entirely their own terms. They held the Lakers goalless and hit the final term full of run. The Tigers ran the final quarter out comfortably and looked good with 75 point win. Cliff Ryan was back to his best for the Tigers with 11 goals in a best on ground performance. Bryce Scott also chipped in with 2 goals, while Col Durie and Jason Collins also featured in the best. Heath Clugston kicked 2 for the Lakers, while Ben Marra and Luke Werner battled hard all day.
Last Modified on 03/08/2014 16:27
