Swans, Tigers win in Round 3 of Groote Eylandt Football LeagueAFTER a slow start, Round 3 in the Groote Eylandt Football League got under way at Angurugu with the Alyangula Swans going head-to-head with the Umbakumba Lions.
Starting later than the scheduled due to some absentees in the Swans camp, points were automatically awarded to the Lions due to a lack of players at the opening siren. A combination of work commitments at the local mine and suspected bouts of the elusive swine flu, meant the Swans were going into the round under-manned.
Quarters were cut down to 15 minutes and the Lions were allowed to play with 17 players, one man more than the Swans. On such a big oval like Angurugu's, this meant for some tired lads at the final siren.
The game was led by the efforts of the Lions' Constantine Mamarika with his impressive accuracy in front of the goals which kept his side on track for what would have looked like an easy win for the Umbakumba side.
But it was goal-for-goal in the final quarter and a goal was the difference with just 10 minutes of play remaining. The Swans' Matt Jones continued his reign of goals, booting three while the hard-at-the-ball Ben Spaeth managed to kick two after some strong running from half-back.
In the end, the Swans hung on and shut the cage on the Lions, winning by the slimmest of margins, 9.3 (57) to 8.8 (56). Best players for the winners were Rodney Woods, Jones and Matty O'Hare while Brendan Yantarrnga, Benuel Mamarika and Constantine Mamarika performed well for the Lions.
Angurugu derby lights upTHE two Angurugu teams met for the first time in the second game.
Key players from both the Angurugu Tigers and the Angurugu Crocs were away for cultural reasons meaning both teams were relying on reserves. None-the-less, the game went ahead with the Crocs coming out fast and strong at the opening bounce. First-time central umpire, Gregson Lalara, was taking a hard stance on players holding the ball, pinging the likes of fast man Clarence Mamarika from the Crocs early in the game.
The Crocs dominated play throughout the first and second quarters through the direction of Brian Pasco up forward and support from Kieren Lalara. The Tigers' youth was apparent in the final quarter, however, with the Crocs tiring and obviously missing the likes of Robbie Murrungun, a hard runner.
The Tigers managed to kick their way in front by a goal with little under five minutes to go, and then sealing the game with a point shortly before the final siren. The final scores were Angurugu Tigers 11.14 (79) defeating the Angurugu Crocs 11. 5 (72). Best players for the Tigers were Basil Bara, Randy Ngalmi and Josiah Marawili and for the Crocs Kilroy Wurramara, Nathan Bara and Kenny Mamarika.
This weekend, the GEFL's Round 4 matches will be played at the Angurugu Town Oval where Umbakumba Lions play Angurugu Crocs (2pm) and Alyangula Swans play Umbakumba Roos (4pm). Angurugu Tigers have the bye.
AFL NORTHERN TERRITORY
AFLNT.com.au
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Last Modified on 21/07/2009 22:03