by Daniel Paproth, The Weekly Group
SUNBURY Kangaroos moved a step closer to securing a top-two spot in the Riddell District Football League with a 15.5 (95) to 5.8 (38) thumping of Romsey on Saturday.
With another strong breeze blowing at Eric Boardman Reserve, the Kangaroos took the early initiative with the first four goals. Only a late goal moments before the siren from Bryson Scales kept Romsey in touch.
The Redbacks weren’t able to capitalise on the wind in the second term, managing only three goals. It was in contrast to Sunbury, which made the most of its opportunities inside 50, snapping two goals. The Roos were more precise and level-headed, looking for teammates in better positions, while the Redbacks looked panicked as Sunbury’s defenders caused errors and turnovers.
Neither side was able to hit the scoreboard early in the third term until Phil Kaufmann finally broke the arm wrestle with a smart goal.
Romsey’s Leigh McInerney could be in strife after a bump on Sunbury’s Dwayne Tate saw the latter stretchered from the ground.
The Roos kicked another three for the term and took a 32-point lead into three-quarter time.
It was hardly a match-winning lead, given the wind, but the Kangaroos were up for the task in the final term. Ty Cuffe burst out of the middle and sent the ball forward early, and shortly after Ryan Pretty got a free and kicked truly. He and brother Jared both kicked four.
Matt Welsh was best on ground with a sensational effort; Leigh Fishenden dominated again and Dan Gregory and Bob Johnson were massive down back.
Matt Davidson kicked two for Romsey, while Shannon Green was tireless.
Roos coach Chris Meacham was satisfied post-game. “It’s a massive win, I’m still stunned with that last quarter to be honest,” he said. “Against the wind ... that last quarter is something I’ll look back on if we’re down or struggling a bit.”
The defence, in particular, pleased the coach. “We pride ourselves on it and you listen to all the old AFL coaches and they say premierships are won on the backline,” Meacham said.
Redbacks assistant coach Phil Littlewood said the final term was a bitter disappointment.
“We were hoping to come home with the wind. The deficit wasn’t beyond us, but a few decisions went against us and they scored, which made it twice as difficult,” he said.
“From then on we seemed to drop away.”
Last Modified on 07/08/2013 08:33