In the inaugural U16 Interleague clash on Wednesday night between the Ellinbank & District FNL (EDFNL) and the West Gippsland FNC (WGFNC) at the Lang Lang Community precinct in Caldermeade the WGFNC sealed an impressive 58-point victory in very cool but dry conditions.
The EDFNL started brightly with a wonderful, snapped goal by Kai Mounsey just over a minute into the match however the WGFNC dominated play, thereafter, prised open the EDFNL defence regularly and planted the seeds for victory by ramming on five unanswered goals to take a 27-point lead into the first break.
In the second quarter the EDFNL mounted far more pressure and restricted the WGFNC to three goals but could only manage one goal itself kicked by the lively Max Williams who was well supported in and around the middle by Logan Joyce and Isaac Caroleo up forward while Rory Nettle across half back and Liam Coulthard in defence offered plenty of resistance in the first half.
In the third quarter the EDFNL got to work and thanks to its midfield led by Max Williams, Logan Joyce, Kyson Cornwall, Ash Mounsey and Keegan Friedlander gained traction in the contest and with two more goals to Kai Mousey, who was proving a real handful for the WGFNC with his strong body work bridged the gap to 28 points mid-way through the quarter. From then on, the challenge dissolved and the WGFNC finished the stronger with three successive majors to take a commanding 49-point advantage into the last change.
The WGFNC outscored the EDFNL by nine points in the last quarter to run out 58-point victors.
The highlight of the last term for the EDFNL was another two goals by Kai Mounsey to make it five for the match and he deservedly won the EDFNL best player medal presented by coach Matt Irwin. Other players to put together good four quarter efforts were Max Williams, who showed good pace to break the lines a number of times, Liam Coulthard who executed plenty of timely spoils and Logan Joyce who eked out many handy disposals. Wingman Ash Mounsey and Joel Armstrong midfield and forward offered good drive, Rory Nettle did well at both ends, Juddson Ryan affected some good taps and forward Hugh Cunningham hauled in some strong marks. Ayden Clarke and Jack Stockx both laboured hard in defence.
Contrary to the scoreline the EDFNL did show plenty of pleasing signs after quarter time and won plenty of respect for forcing the WGFNC to fight out the game. Congratulations to the WGFNC. It was slick unit, had too much run and carry around the ground and the far surer touch often demonstrated by Phillip Island’s Charlie O’Garey who was presented with the WGFNC best player medal by their coach Jason Hill post-match. The EDFNL thank the WGFNC Operations Manager and his league for their co-operation, participation and organisation in making the match happen.
The league executive would like to acknowledge the coaches over the campaign, Matt Irwin & Wayne Oswald and assistants Peter Joyce, Corey Jagoe, Matt Devon and Zac Gray. Also, thanks to Alan Massaro, Helen Bould and Hailey McCauley from the Trainers Association, photographer Jeff Tull, timekeeper Keith Fort, the Yarragon and Lang Lang Football Netball club for the use their ground and facilities and the Gippsland Umpires Association # who officiated the match.
The league is also grateful to all families and friends that provided the boys with transport and attended training and tonight’s match. The EDFNL Board of Management believes the base and strength of all clubs and the league is dependent on the development of its junior ranks so hope this match remains an annual event to achieve this goal.
# Denotes our GUA umpires who officiated were:
Field – Flynn Pallot, Kohen Lott Stephens & Brayden Hunter.
Boundary – Andre Elliott & John Stuckey
Goal – Ray Barake & Carmen Stuckey
QTR by QTR SCORES
EDFNL : 1.0.6 2.1.13 4.2.26 6.3.39
WGFNL: 5.3.33 8.6.54 11.9.75 14.13.97
Last Modified on 06/07/2023 12:54
