Ben Rowles
Bambill have established themselves
as the team to beat in 2009, after recording a classy 49-point win against
reigning premiers Euston, in Round 6 of the Millewa Football League.
It was a
crucial win for the Saints, who were determined to amend for their
disappointing Preliminary Final exit at the hands of the Bombers last year.
Euston
suffered a major setback when key forward Sean Smith was ruled out with a rib
injury, and the Bombers were on the back foot early without his presence. However, a series of tantalising matchups
still greeted spectators as the sides lined up before the first bounce.
Thomas Healey
was assigned the task of controlling the dangerous Brett Haase; Brant Reid was
given the tagging role on Bombers coach Joey Denaro; Luke Kearney lined up
against Felix Liparota and Peter Marciano went head to head with Bambill
livewire, Ben Milsom.
It was the
Saints who got the early jump, as Haase converted from a free kick set shot
just two minutes into the match. However, Brad Kennedy replied for the Bombers
just moments later, and the game was set for an almighty tussle.
But it was
Bambill who gained the upper hand in the opening quarter, particularly in the
midfield, which allowed Haase to kick three goals in the first quarter. Denaro
was gathering a stack of possessions at the centre bounces for Euston, but he
lacked assistance from his charges, as the Saints took a 23-point victory into
quarter- time.
The second
term saw the game tighten in the clinches, and suddenly there were no easy
possessions on offer. Denny Fox was
moved forward with immediate effect, building on from his two late first
quarter goals to kick two more 10 minutes in to the term. Milsom and Andrew
Ross were continuing on with their great form this year, and the Saints looked
set to run away with the game.
However,
Shannon Neyland intervened, and kicked two late ones to keep the Bombers afloat
at the main break.
The second
half began with a flurry of inside 50âÂÂs for the Saints. However, they could not
capitalise on their opportunities and after Euston took it up the other end of
the ground to score immediately, the Bombers suddenly had their tails up.
The game
continued to develop into a real arm wrestle, with both sides going goal for
goal and playing the sort of tough and entertaining footy one would expect from
the top two sides. Individual efforts meant nothing in this situation, as both
sides realised that it was the team efforts that would get them over the line.
Although the
Bombers were playing some good football, they just couldnâÂÂt get a run on, and
whenever they kicked a goal to bring the margin under five goals, the Saints
returned serve soon after. Despite this, Euston still had a slim chance at the
final change.
The final
quarter started with the Euston onballers peppering the forward line, and
putting the Bambill defenders under real pressure. However, led by Jarrat
Farley, the Saints held firm just like they had all day, as they ran away with
the game to take out a gritty win.
Neyland and
Kennedy were good up forward for Euston, kicking five and four majors
respectively. Denaro was also a terrific contributor all day through the
midfield, but it was Bambill who ultimately claimed the midfield battle on the
day.
The Saints had
a good spread of goal kickers, with Fox kicking 5 goals and being the standout
player on the ground. Farley was terrific in defence for the Saints, and Andrew
Ross put in another terrific game across half back.
Although the
Bombers will walk away knowing they had their chances in this one, they will
also know that they have plenty of work to do if they are to match the all
conquering Saints in future encounters.
In other Round
6 matches, Gol Gol came out on top in its battle against an emerging Nangiloc
side at Nangiloc Reserve.
The Hawks led
from start to finish, as they continued on with their recent good form after a
slow start to the year. The Demons on the other hand may have been feeling the
effects of a big month playing all the top teams in the competition, as they
just couldnâÂÂt get within striking distance of Gol Gol all day.
Jason Bruhn
was best on ground, kicking 5 goals in a starring role up forward for the
Hawks. He was well supported by Lee Crane and Tim Anderson, who both continue
to have fine seasons in the brown and gold.
As for the
Demons, the ever consistent David Mike was terrific all day, and Cameron Peters
and Ben Mansell tried hard for the full 120 minutes.
However in the
end, the Hawks emerged with a 45-point win to put themselves a game clear in
third spot ahead of Nangiloc.
The final game
of the round saw Lake Cullulleraine co-tenants Meringur and Werrimull collide
at the home of the Millewa.
Werrimull were
extremely determined to knock off their major rival, and were certainly in the
contest at half time. However, the Roos awoke from their slumber to take the
way the game from the Pies in the second half, as they ran out 9 goal winners.
Colin Keatch
was spectacular again for Meringur, kicking 4 goals. Martin Patten and Brendan
Giddings also had fine games for the Roos, as they stay in touch with the top
four.
As for
Werrimull, Lowan OâÂÂConnor and Jamie Keenan were fantastic all day, but in the
end, a lack of fitness into the second half saw the Pies run out of legs. This
loss sees Werrimull entrenched to the bottom of the ladder, and still looking
for their first win in 2009.
Last Modified on 24/05/2009 16:46