At the Hanger, the Bombers rendered the Magpies flightless, with a convincing but hard fought win. Wudinna United played with plenty of endeavor, but the aerial strength and overall run of the Bomber boys too good. Good efforts from players of both teams, Wirrulla well served out of the centre by Paul Haynes, poise under pressure with immaculate disposal by foot and hand, Mark Binder, either in defence or around the centre racking up disposals, Evan Whillas, mainly in the uncustomary centre half forward position, a revelation! Strong marking and excellent work rate, he will no doubt be pencilled in for future forays forward. Simon Webb, always efficient, great in the air and a wonderful leader around the ground. Jarden Stoetzer back in the side after hamstring issues and played as if he wasnt hampered at all. Good news for Wirrulla that he made it through with flying colours! Lachlan Ross good from half back, Ryan Watson in steller high possession form and Jason Henderson good all day.
The Maggies chipped away all day and really couldnt find a consistent avenue to goal until the last quarter, when some fast running forward entries presented scoring opportunities. Heath Zwar leading from the front, captain coach and in great form, Neil Seaman plenty of the ball, strong marking, tackling and quick over the ground. Brayden Chambers probably enjoyed his best game for the year, especially the first half where he had the ball on a string, Matthew Greatbatch, welcomed the match against his former club and celebrated with hard contested footy as always. He is a valuable player for the Magpies week in and week out. Brad Jericho another with strong body and sturdy in defense. Derek and Scott Williams worked well, along with Ian Jericho who continues to impress.
Magpies go hunting Rooster next week at Elliston. They have been competitive against the top sides and will look forward to this week with confidence. Elliston are always good at home so it looms as a danger game, so important to both teams finals hopes. This aspect will not be lost on either coaches, Henry Zwar or Chad Fleming
The Bulldogs went about another business as usual win against the Tigers, 64 points in the end. In a bizarre twist, the Bulldogs have kicked more goals than behinds, who would have ever thought? Something they have been working on no doubt. Central Eyre have often found the Districts boys defensive style hard to break, so the ten goal win here very satisfactory.
Leading the Bulldog best is Kane Sampson, age will just not weary him! he is having a great season and playing with enormous drive and passion. Jake Sampson another good game around the centre, he wins hard balls, runs and works. Jesse Stringer excellent in the centre and the smooth moving Jared Samspon, both players in the Eyre Peninsula squad. Jake Bruce returned again from a hamstring layoff, kicked a couple of goals too, which is good news for Central supporters and the Bulldog finals aspirations
Tigers were led by Lachlan Mc Innis. Lachy has a huge future, not only playing great football at club senior level, but is in the Norwood acadamy and very capable of higher honors. Chris Williams a boom recruit, great balance and ball sense, Scotty Feltus and Jesse Hull, both veterans and crucial to Wstern Districts every week. Districts can still be in the hunt for September action, but must start winning. A few players will make their returns in the coming weeks.
The Tigers play the Bombers next week in a contest that never disappoints no matter where they sit on the ladder. It is hard to understand exactly why, but some clubs just match up well on each other, and these two are a case in point with so many games decided by slim margins. This one is on the Wirrulla deck, but only a short road trip for the Tigers anyway. For the Bombers, top two must remain in their gunsights, likely return of stars Adam Braendler, William Mayhew and maybe Robert Holmes For the Tigers, a win will reignite their finals hopes. They are very capable, but will need to tick the scoreboard over more regularly than they have been to hamper the flying Bombers.
The Hawks have obviously been offered KFC supply contracts and have a big stock, with a 193 point Rooster slaughter at the Bay. Very hard day at the office for the Elliston boys, under manned and up against the form team of the competition. Not a happy day all round with a forfeit in the B Grade and the colts also losing by a big margin, in a match that they won in round one. With the B Grade match a forfeit, a new Mid West rule was brought into effect where extra players may be added to the A Grade side interchange for both sides.
Dining out, Aiden Whitford, 13 goals a big return from a classy player. A record for him. Lewis Cotton in everything, Cameron Montgomerie full of run and wonderful disposal, Jake McEvoy at centre half forward and Corey Cabot continues his rapid improvement. For Elliston, Adam Green led the way, not surprisingly from the backlines, Ross Bascomb, Jay Williams plenty of it, Wayden Sumner and David Dudley showed speed.
This is probably not the warm up the Hawks were looking for as they face their biggest challenge for the season so far, the 'Dogs at Kyancutta. Round one was a classic at Streaky Bay, this match promises to be every bit as good. Whitford likely a non starter with work commitments, Dillon Montgomerie only 50/50 chance with foot problems and the Bulldogs ever building as playing personnel return. Five of the current Eyre Peninsula squad will likely play in this game**, and all will want their form high as they look for EP honours. Rain already this week, Port Adelaide, playing lowly Carlton, and a Mid West 2013/14 Grand Final rematch, plenty to look forward to this weekend!
** Footnote-: In addition to the five current EP squad members, each club could field an additional four players each with past EP selection, 13 players in all, quite a gathering of EP talent!
Last Modified on 19/06/2015 10:27