Mid West passed the season half way mark, seven round until the finals and jostling for positions continue. The Dogs flex their muscles again, but didn’t have it all their own way against the plucky Roosters, Maggies kept their finals hopes alive, narrowing seeing off the wayward Tigers. The Hawk Machine was at full revs with a crushing victory against an undermanned Bombers. Damp underfoot everywhere, great rainfall on Friday night and players capably handling the softer than usual conditions
The Close One was at Wudinna as the Wudinna United held out Western Districts by seven points, both sides errant in front of goal. This was a low scoring stoush in slippery conditions, particularly through the centre. The Tigers out of the blocks early, a thirteen point break at quarter time, but a scoring drought thereafter, only one goal nine for the remainder of the match. Maggies coach Zwar happy with the win, but still looking for better disposal skills the keep finals hopes alive. Only one goal scored between the sides in the second half was indicative of pressure.
Magpies well served by Brayden Chambers, he has hit a rich vein of form and finding the ball regularly, Tyson Tree in the ruck, along with Thomas Dupree effective all day, Neil Seaman with dash from the backline, Remi North and Matt Greatbatch winning the hard balls and Sam Buckham across the centre. The Tigers had plenty of winners over the day also, Scott Feltus worked his heart out, drifting back and cutting out many Magpie moves forward, Jerel Fromm a go to man, good in the air and off the deck, Jesse Hull and Trent Brace solid in defence, and Ben Forrest a welcome return to the team, with an excellent game.
The Hawks arrived at Wirrulla to play, winning each quarter as they eased out to a ninety point win. Plenty of pressure on the Bombers who just couldn’t find their way forward with enough regularity. Always by play between these two neighbours, some “friendly” niggle, the match tough and hard as usual, Hawks just too accomplished with their speed and disposal. The Bombers will look to welcome back the likes of Stoetzer, Henderson, Pedler, Mayhew, Benbolt in the near future to assist bridging this gap.
Good players everywhere for the smooth Hawk machine, Mark Dolling tireless in the middle, along with the ever reliable Dillon Montgomerie just propelling so many forward moves, and seven goals between them. Dale Montgomerie prolific, Darren Brown and James Westley double teaming the in form Yanni Kozminski to good effect. Jake Mc Evoy with speed and skill, another three goals and he continues with his great season. Strong and rebounding backline and an in form Nathan Johnson up forward, five goals and could have been more, as he sprayed a few too! Wirrulla tries hard all day, but couldn’t establish a run on at any point. Rowan Chester, marked well and used the ball effectively, Ryan Watson plenty of it and never shirks a contest, Yanni Kozminski continues on, shouldering a big load, Olly Mc Callum from half back, Shannon Haynes elusive, Cody Colbung and Robert Holmes worked hard all day for the cause.
Centrals kicked away from a gallant Roosters in the second half, maybe having the match in their keeping at half time, and pressing their advantage in the final quarter keeping Elliston scoreless. Tough road trip no doubt, but Elliston have a good core of playing staff this year, if everyone are available the same day, they have that little X Factor that will worry the teams at the top.
Once again, the key to Dog success is sharing the workload and also the scoring. Jake Sampson leading the way, Zac Fitzgerald, five goals and regularly on the ball, Tas Fitzgerald a key target again, Tom Freeth, and Jake Bruce in the best. Welcome back to Ty Mc Kenna, three goals and will be better for the run, Jesse Stringer also back in but maybe less than fully fit at this stage. For the Roosters, Ross Bascomb out front, played well at Mortlock and is a classy contributor every week, Jay Williams, hard worker and the heart beat of the team, new player Sam Mc Connell performed well, a hard and tough hard ball winner, hopefully will stay around to help the Roosters in the run to the finals, Aaron Little and Ben Hurrell good all day and Jordan Newton , five of the Roosters eight just an outstanding target.
Next Week
West Coast Hawks v Western Districts
Back to Piednippie with the Rovers heritage match, look out for the return of the blue R as the Hawks will don the original guernseys. These matches always provide for entertainment, including the stories and memories, however the serious part of the day must have attention first. Districts have successfully strangled the Hawks in the past, cutting the regular routes to Hawks goals. The Hawks are building, they appear to be improving week by week. Narrow loss last start will hurt the Tigers and they must snare a game against a higher ranked opponent to keep their season on track. Hard to see the Hawk boys dropping this one amongst the return of old club legends and stalwarts.
Central Eyre v Wudinna United
Kyancutta hosts the derby against old rivals, but they are in different places right now, the Dogs just keep on keeping on, scoring fests each week and a depth of player list the envy of most others. Magpies play with heart, working to their strengths which relies heavily on defence, this is their ultimate test! The Magpies, like the Tigers, must get the scalp of a ladder leader, but it wont be this week!
Elliston v Wirrulla
Long trip to Elliston for the Bombers, some people don’t travel this far for their annual holidays! Not a frightening prospect for Wirrulla as they travel well. This match hold the added incentive of likely finals qualification, and an indication as to who is most likely to challenge the top two. One enormous hurdle for the Roosters, in that the match coincides with a 21st birthday of Matt Williams, so quite a dilemma for the Elliston boys, they love a party! Both sides at full strength will provide a stern challenge to the top two, but the right to challenge them must first be earned. In the context of season 2016, this is an important match, and I suspect that the Roosters may find themselves a couple of players short, hence the Bombers will start favourites in a match they can all but sow up a finals spot.
Match results in summary are here or go to the Fixture/Results/Stats menu above
Last Modified on 20/06/2016 00:17