Ben
Rowles
In
Round 10 of the Millewa Football League, Euston have kept their top 2 ambitions
alive with a gutsy 21-point win over Cardross, who pushed the Bombers all the
way, but ultimately did not have the legs to record their first victory for
2009.
In a match that saw that return of last year’s league
leading goal kicker Mahino Paola return to the Bombers, the bottom placed Lions
came out firing in the first half, and took an 18-point lead into the halftime
break.
However, spurred on by the fact that every win is vital
for the top two spot, the reigning premiers lifted a few gears and started to
take control of the game. Euston started to get on top of Cardross in the
middle of the ground, and this resulted in the Bombers applying more scoreboard
pressure.
The Lions were desperate not to let their first win of
the year slip by, and continued to apply relentless pressure on the ball
carrier. However in the end, the Bombers’ class and more accurate goal kicking got
them over the line.
Euston will be relieved they have got themselves back on
the winner’s list for the first time in a few weeks, however coach Joseph
Denaro will realise his team will need to improve dramatically if they are to
provide a real threat to their premiership defence this year.
As for the Lions, this loss leaves them still winless,
but after Saturday’s performance there is no doubt the Lions will scare a
number of clubs fighting for finals spots in the latter half of the year.
At Nangiloc Reserve, Bambill continued on their merry way
by recording a hard fought 51-point win over a Nangiloc side bubbling with
youth and excitement.
The Demons started the game well, as they used their pace
and run through the midfield to trouble the Saints early on. But in a scenario
that has become customary in Bambill’s performances this year, the Saints used
their bulk and superior size around the ground to distance the gap between
themselves and their opponents on the scoreboard, as they kicked 6 goals to 2
in the second quarter to take the game away from the Demons.
However Nangiloc continued to fight hard after the break;
even outscoring the Saints in the final quarter to show there is plenty to like
about this young outfit for the future.
But by then the game was well and truly wrapped up in the
Saints keeping, as they continued their fine season and improved their record
to 10-0 at the halfway point of the year.
Ben Milsom was terrific all day as he claimed best on
ground honours for the Saints, while Brett Haase continued his great form up forward,
kicking 4 majors.
Nangiloc had just the one multiple goal kicker in Damien
Gray, who kicked two of his team’s six goals. Graeme Glare and David Mike also
made solid contributions to the cause, as Nangiloc turn their attention to a
vital clash with Euston next week.
The final game of the round saw Gol Gol shake off a
courageous Meringur in the second half to record a solid 47-point win at
Carramar Drive.
The Roos, who were without utility Colin Keatch, were
determined to show they can be a force to be reckoned with in the competition,
and were certainly in the game at half time to press their claims.
However, sensing a challenge, the Hawks stepped up to the
plate and kicked 6 goals to 2 in the third term to take the game away from the
Roos.
Meringur kept fighting right to the end, and even managed
to win the final quarter to add some respectability to the final score.
However, it was the Hawks who came out victorious, as they cemented their place
in the top 2 on the ladder.
Lee Crane was fantastic all day for the Hawks, and he was
well supported by the ever reliable to Dean McDowell and Jason Bruhn, with
Bruhn kicking 4 majors.
As for Meringur, Jason Kirby kicked 3 goals to feature in
the best for his side, while Carlo Longeri and Geoffrey Johnson also worked
tirelessly for the Roos.
Last Modified on 28/06/2009 15:35