SENIOR FOOTBALL
The split round of matches had the Bulldogs take on the Benalla Saints in a game that some media experts predicted would see Tatura win by as much as 140 points!! The current structure of the ladder certainly sees a great divide between the top six and bottom six.
It was only four years ago that the Tatura Bulldogs were the ones being “taken to the cleaners”. It is all about taking opportunities when your window of opportunity is there.
Jayden Young , Billy Lovel and Bill Hicks were rested with niggling injuries and Linc Wellington and Corey Mallon came back into the side. Mitch Elliott, under 18s captain, played his first game in the senior team. It must be said that Elliott held his own in senior company and will certainly benefit from the experience.
The match commenced in overcast but clear conditions, which quickly turned into rain and hail during the second term!
The Saints started with a great deal of enthusiasm. It took until the seven-minute mark for the first goal to be registered; a long shot to Cam Trewin, which opened the Bulldogs’ account. This was quickly followed up by livewire Jye Warren.
A 50-metre penalty allowed the Saints to open their scoring. A further six pointer had the Benalla underdogs level with the ladder-leading Tatura side at the 15-minute mark of the term. Two late goals to Trewin and Rob Montgomery, who was gathering plenty of possessions, had the Dogs up by 12 points at the first break.
Benalla opened the scoring with an early major to start the second term, which reduced the margin to six points. Tatura really had to work hard to shake off its determined opposition.
The weather threatened to become an issue as light rain turned heavy and even some hail lashed Tatura Park. Any semblance of skills on display was eroded and the contest turned into a real slog.
The bigger bodies of Tatura slowly started to take over. Once again, Paul Kirby dominated the centre contests and provided plenty of opportunities for the mid fielders. Shannon Broadbent and Linc Wellington continued to drive the ball inside 50 and, under constant attack the young Benalla defence, started to look a little brittle. Steve Shaw returned to some good form; he slotted three goals for the day.
The atrocious conditions made heavy scoring difficult but, at the long break, the Bulldogs controlled the game with a 28-point lead.
In the second half, the Saints were restricted to only one point and Tatura continued on its merry way to kick eight goals seven behinds. The weather conditions improved slightly and Tatura was able to break the match open with hard running and effective ball use.
Ryan Crawford maintained his fine form and was just about impassable at half back along with Rhodes Cousland, who went about his business in an unassuming but extremely efficient manner. These players will prove to be great assets when the big games come around. Tom Durward also worked his way back to some solid GVFL form and his freakish talents will provide the team with that X-factor.
The only concerns were slight injuries to Rob Montgomery’s hamstring and Corey Mallon’s ankle. The 82-point victory will build the percentage, which will be important to determe ladder positions later in the season.
With a week’s rest coming up, the team, under the tutelage of Steve Daniel, is ready for the big encounter against Mooroopna on 14 July 2012. This will be a home game for Tatura and will certainly provide a stern test and indicator of where the team sits.
SCORES: Tatura 15-13-103 V Benalla 3-3-21
GOALS: C Trewin 4, S Shaw 3, R Montgomery 2, L Wellington 1, J Warren 1, J Coe 1, C Ryan 1, L Owen 1, S Broadbent 1.
BEST: P Kirby, R Crawford, T Durward, S Shaw, R Cousland, L Wellington.
RESERVES FOOTBALL:
The grand final rematch from 2011 proved anything but a tight tussle as the Bulldogs completely dominated their undermanned opposition. Sam Green put his hand up and played for the Saints to give them an extra number and his fierce tackling rattled a few of his “team mates”!
Alex O’Reilly returned from injury to collect nine goals and Reece Pollard also hit the scoreboard with five goals. The first half saw the Bulldogs open up a 74-point lead, whilst keeping their opponents scoreless.
Joe Conheady continued his great form; he must be an early favourite for the Reserves medal as he never plays a bad game and is constantly under the umpire’s eye. Pat Frappell and James Walters picked up disposals at will. Chris Atkinson found a lot of the ball and is slowly getting back to some of his junior form. His skills will be a real strength against the stronger teams. Brendon Vanderdonk wound the clock back with some fancy footwork and great delivery of the football.
The 139-point margin builds the percentage and keeps the side in third place. However, much bigger games will be confronting this outfit in the coming weeks, starting with second-placed Mooroopna in two weeks.
SCORES: Tatura 22-15-147 V Benalla 1-2-8
GOALS: A O’Reilly 9, R Pollard 5, J Harris 3, N Elliott 1, S Beale 1, N Rijs 1, J Walters 1, B Vanderdonk 1.
BEST: J Conheady, J Walters, A O’Reilly, N Elliott, P Frappell, B Vanderdonk.
U/18s FOOTBALL
Up against the fourth placed Benalla outfit, the young Bulldogs entered the contest quietly confident after some impressive recent wins. The game was a great contest and the only downside was the two injuries to opposing players. Anthony Howley from Tatura was concussed and taken by ambulance to hospital for observation and a Benalla player broke his leg in a contest between two committed opponents. We wish both players a swift recovery.
Tatura was in with a big chance all game and had a strong chance going into the final quarter holding a seven-point lead. Zac Brian and Matt Cornwall were fantastic contributors; all game they provided hard running. Liam Borrelli was a rock in defence and Jack Ballantyne played another impressive game.
Unfortunately simple skill errors and turnovers, when the game was up for grabs, hurt the team and the well-drilled Saints finished strongly with five goals to none in the last quarter, to finish 24-point winners. With only two goal kickers, the forward line could not find different avenues to score and the end result, although disappointing, showed just how much this team has improved.
SCORES: Tatura 5-4-34 V Benalla 9-4-58.
GOALS: D Argus 3, B Harris 2.
BEST: Z Brian, M Cornwall, R Kirby, L Borrelli, J Ballantyne, J Kelly.
Last Modified on 03/07/2012 13:44