MAGPIES EXACT SOME REVENGE
By Louie Bulzomi
While nothing can fully erase last year’s Grand Final defeat, Werrimull at least spoiled Bambill’s flag-unfurling celebrations at Mildura Senior College with a thrilling come-from-behind 5-point victory, 13.20 (98) to 13.15 (93).
The Saints were without forwards David Hall and Leigh McIntyre, but received immediate service from new recruit Luke Stanbrook, who bagged the first goal. Ryan McClelland was everywhere, while Graham Mentiplay and new Magpie Courtney Moore were busy.
2 huge marks and goals by Damien Marr either side of quarter-time gave Bambill a break, but the Magpies – largely through Michael Harradine and Ash Bates – turned the tables in general play. Despite winning plenty of footy, Werrimull wasted opportunities with 25% accuracy in front of goal.
Werrimull’s inaccuracy continued in the third, with another 2.7 against Bambill’s 3.5. Stanbrook added 2 more, while McClelland and Luke Keating withstood the Magpies’ midfield dominance led by Mentiplay and Brad Duscher.
It finally clicked for Werrimull, kicking 7.1 in the last to run over a tired Saints outfit. Bates starred in his Magpie debut with 6 majors, while Stanbrook finished with 5.
Euston conquered their 2011 semi-final nemesis Gol Gol by 55 points at home to take back the Tapaulin Cup, 22.11 (143) to 13.10 (88).
Question marks over the Hawks’ goalkicking abilities were answered emphatically with former Ouyen United forward Robert Lindsay kicking all 3 in the first term. Ian Mennie also scored 3, while Daniel Rogers, Josh Healy, and new Bombers Bryce Denaro and Linden Duryea were proficient.
It was goal-for-goal in the second. For the Hawks, Lindsay bagged another 3 and Darren Brown 1, while for the Bombers Mennie added 2, Healy 1 and Joseph Denaro 1 to see them 11 points ahead. Mennie provided a spectacular highlight with a Maradonna-like somersault kick, but unfortunately it didn’t trouble the scorers.
After Lindsay kicked his 7th early in the third, Euston got away with 5 of the next 6. Anthony McMahon and Cleon Hannah wrepelled whatever didn’t find Lindsay, while Phil Connell’s superb ruck work paid dividends as J. Denaro, Duryea and others cashed in.
8 goals to 4 in the last exemplified Euston’s second half superiority, and magnified the smile on President Leo Burns’ face. led a chorus of 10 Bomber goalkickers with 7, while Lindsay played a lone hand with 11. Dion Collins and David Gray also toiled hard, but the wide spread of Euston contributors proved too much.
At Henshilwood Oval (not Nangiloc, as stated in the preview), Cardross put on a show in the third quarter to run out 50 point winners over Nangiloc, 21.9 (135) to 12.13 (85).
The first quarter was tight, with both sides showcasing their contested ball prowess. The Demons snuck ahead before the bell, with newcomers Ben Crosbie and Tristan Stephens prolific.
Tom Wallace and the returning Jake Zoch ensured Cardross stayed in touch of Nangiloc, who led by 2 points at half time thanks mainly to the hard work of Cameron Peters, Scott Golding and Crosbie.
It opened up for the Lions in the third, scoring 9.2 to 2.4. Michael Laird booted 3, Zoch kicked a bomb from 60 metres, Scott Richards shut down Peters, and Andrew Ferguson played loose in defence.
Despite a better last term, the third quarter blowout was too difficult for Nangiloc to overcome. For Cardross, Mark East and Darren McCarthy kicked 6 apiece, while Stephens finished with 4 for the Demons.
Next week, Gol Gol host Cardross, Werrimull and Euston go to Lake Cullulleraine, and Nangiloc host Bambill.
Last Modified on 16/04/2012 16:15