The EDFNL U18s won two of its three matches at the Gippsland Junior carnival held at Morwell Recreation reserve today to finish third of the six leagues competing.
It finished second in Pool B after a win over East Gippsland (EGFNL) and a loss to West Gippsland (WGFNC) before it beat Mid Gippsland (MGFNL) in the 3rd v 4th play-off.
Congratulations to the WGFNC that went on to beat Gippsland FL by 5 points in the final.
ROUND 1
The EDFNL began brightly against East Gippsland and with good cohesion among its midfield opened up a 14 point lead at half time after long goals to Vice Captain Ayden Ramm and tall Xavier Langenberg. After the break it continued to press forward regularly due to a dominate midfield led by Ned Ashton, ruckman Lachie Spinks, Ayden Ramm and Nick Caddy and Chad Owen who used their pace and dash to good effect. Half back Liam Lisle did well to repel opposition advances, Fintan Fox, who kicked a second half goal was lively while Captain Bryce Joyce and Jack Champion were both busy around the midfield. Matthew Roberts showed he was a good finisher with two second half goals.
ROUND 2
Against the WGFNC the EDFNL showed plenty of character and intensity at the ball early and such was the pressure no team scored for the opening 12 minutes. Thereafter the EDFNL lamented a few turnovers and mistakes and the WGFNC capitalised to open up a 20 point lead at half time. In the second half the WGFNC continued to push forward frequently and went on to record a 43 point win. To give the EDFNL its dues it competed strongly but perhaps playing back to back matches against a fresher side took its toll. Nonetheless WGFNC were far the better side and showed they were a well drilled unit with all over the field evenness. EDFNL captain Bryce Joyce led by example, key defenders Jarrod Meggetto and Hardy Kenny offered plenty of resistance, agile tall Lachlan Spinks picked up good numbers all over the ground and Ned Ashton and Cooper Brown had a busy presence in and around the middle. Jackson Williames and Nick Caddy produced quite a few notable efforts.
ROUND 3
The MGFNL jumped the EDFNL early and led by 14 points before it worked its way back into the game to only trail by two points at the main break thanks to a terrific snap goal by Lachie Spinks and two late majors from Ayden Ramm. After conceding the opening goal of the second half the EDFNL finished full of running and not before a number of behinds, goals by Cam Stanley and Harry Colvin saw it prevail by nine points. Ned Ashton, Ayden Ramm, Bryce Joyce had a bustling midfield presence all match and Lachie Spinks was again a key driver in a match that featured a good spread of contributors. Clancy Pope was a superb target in the second half, Fintan Fox, Harry Colvin and Billy Auldist, the later with some important touches when moved forward were all prominent and Blake Appleby thrust the ball forward many times after taking some crucial marks. The team can hold their heads high. It won two of three matches and showed plenty of grit in the last game to come from behind.
Plaudits must also go to Longwarry midfielder Ned Ashton, who won the EDFNL player of the carnival medal. Ned was a regular source of drive, in and under and put his head over the ball in all three matches.
The EDFNL Board of Management would also like to thank all the people that helped in the lead up to the carnival and on the day. In particular Coach Toby Wallace, Assistants Kody Wilson and Lachlan Cove, trainers Alan Massaro and Tony Stewart, timekeeper Keith Fort, photographer Jeff Tull and Junior Football Director Stephen Pratt for his organisation. And not to be forgotten all parents, guardians and the supporters that attended today. And thanks to the Ellinbank & Yarragon Football netball clubs for use of their grounds.
Last Modified on 30/06/2022 07:58
