Nangiloc have moved into fourth spot
on the league ladder, after recording a scrappy 6 goal win over a determined
Werrimull side in Round 9 of the Millewa Football League.
In a match that saw former league president Luke McManus
pull on the boots for the Pies, Nangiloc were in complete control from start to
finish, as they strive to reach their first finals series since going onto
recess 3 years ago.
The players were greeted with chilly and breezy
conditions as they arrived at the ground, which promised to make the game a
scrappy and tough affair.
Nangiloc won the toss and decided to kick with the wind
in the first quarter, and they took the early advantage as Jake Reed used the
breeze to snap a goal over his shoulder from 50 meters out. The Demons were
using their trademark running game to worry the Pies, but they just couldn’t
make the most of their opportunities going forward, and coach Luke Stone would
have been only moderately happy with a 24-point lead at quarter time.
The second quarter saw the game tighten up around the
packs, but the blustery conditions were causing both sides to frequently turn
the ball over. Despite this, Nangiloc continued to direct their inside 50
entries towards Reed, who was having a fantastic tussle with Lowan O’Connor.
The Werrimull defence as a whole were defending well against the onslaught, and
their persistence resulted in their first goal to Stuart Mensch late in the
quarter. Another goal to Colby Loxton after the half time siren gave the Pies a
real sniff as they headed into the main break.
The third term saw Nangiloc reshuffle their forward line
structure, with Reed pushing into the midfield with immediate effect as he
kicked his third for the day. Werrimull needed quick goals, but Nangiloc always
seemed to have an answer to every question posed to them by the Pies. A five
goal to two third quarter saw Nangiloc take the game away from the Magpies, as
the Demons carried a 53-point lead into the final change.
Werrimull kept fighting in the final quarter, as they
kicked 3 goals to nil to add some respectability to the final score. However,
if it was not for Nangiloc’s inaccurate kicking all day, the 36-point margin at
the final siren could have been much worse for the Magpies.
Cameron Peters and Nathan Grayling were terrific for
Nangiloc, as they picked up possessions at will and provided consistent drive
for the Demons all day. As for Werrimull, Lowan O’Connor was fantastic down
back for the Pies, while Colby Loxton did not stop trying all day.
This win moves Nangiloc into the top 4 ahead of their
vital clash against Bambill next week, while Werrimull can use the bye to sit
back and review their season so far.
In other games, Gol Gol proved too strong for Euston as
the Hawks dominated all day to eventually take out a 54-point win at Euston
Reserve.
The Hawks had three avenues to goal with Kaleb Sherwell,
Jason Bruhn and Scott Alderton all bagging 3 majors. Clinton French and Tim
Robinson were great contributors all day for Gol Gol, as they head into next
week’s clash against Meringur full of confidence.
As for Euston, Brad Kennedy was the only shining light
for his team; kicking 4 goals in a good individual performance. Coach Joseph
Denaro was also a handy contributor for the Bombers, but in the end Euston was
outclassed by a better side, and will be looking to get back that winning form
when they take on Cardross next week.
In the final game, Bambill destroyed Cardross at Mildura
Senior College to the tune of 146-points. In what always promised to be a one
sided affair, the Saints blew the Lions out of the water with a 10 goal to nil
first quarter, which all but sealed the result.
Brett Haase had a day out, kicking 14 majors in a best on
ground performance, as he jumps to equal top of the league leading goal kicker
table. Haase was well supported by Craig Herberte and Ben Milsom, who continue
to have fine seasons for the Saints.
As for the struggling Lions, Shane Fielding put in an
admirable performance, but was one of a very few Cardross players who could say
they at least broke even with their opponent on the day. This win leaves
Cardross still searching for their first win, as they attempt to knock off the
reigning premiers Euston next week, while Bambill will be confident of taking
the points away from home against Nangiloc next week.
Last Modified on 22/06/2009 03:54