BOMBERS BLOWN AWAY
By Louie Bulzomi
What should have been a classic at Lake Cullulleraine between two premiership contenders ended up a fizzer, with Werrimull trouncing Euston by 95 points, 21.8 (134) to 4.15 (39).
Six unanswered goals in the opening term set the tone, with Mark Duscher’s strong mark and pass to Ryan Tierney and Paul Jenkins’ running punt from 50m the standouts. Anthony McMahon worked overtime to rebound from defence, but the Bombers capitulated once in attack.
The Magpies extended the lead to eight goals early in the second, courtesy of Jenkins and Courtney Moore’s midfield drive. But Euston eventually came to life with three majors to Linden Duryea to get within 33 points at half-time.
All hope for the Bombers faded as Werrimul piled on nine consecutive goals in the third to romp away. Michael Harradine and Dan Smith dominated in defence, while Moore and Shannon Anthony kept the Bomber midfield accountable. Something to cheer about for Euston was McMahon’s “sumo-wrestling” triumph over Moore late in the quarter.
The Magpies cruised in the last after showcasing their premiership credentials earlier. Moore was superb with five, while Harradine was awarded best afield for keeping Ian Mennie goalless.
Gol Gol squared their ledger with a strong 58-point win over Cardross at Carramar Drive, 24.13 (157) to 15.9 (99).
Shaun McInerney engineered the first goal for the Hawks, but Darren McCarthy responded in kind for the Lions. Robert Lindsay again drew plenty of attention, but in contrast to last week he received support as Nicholas Rodi broke free to kick a couple.
Cardross erased a three-goal deficit early in the second as Jake Zoch got on top in the ruck and Tom Wallace, Ben Ransome and Jason Cox gained midfield ascendancy. But the Hawks picked up their pace and re-established that lead by half-time.
Gol Gol opened the game up in the third scoring 9.2 to 2.3, as Tim Vandenberg, Anthony Albert, Tansley Hill and John Thompson featured prominently. Lindsay, Rodi, McInerney, Dean McDowall and David Gray all benefitted from the Hawks’ fantastic dash and long-kicking play.
Cardross showed fight in the last, but the damage was already done. Thompson finished best on ground for Gol Gol, while McCarthy kicked six for the Lions.
Bambill outgunned a gallant Nangiloc in the second half to win by 73 points, 24.12 (156) to 12.11 (83).
After a scrappy start, Michael Hickey began to fire at half-forward for the Saints with three goals, while Simon Kelly and Luke Keating provided plenty of drive. The home side bounced back through the hard work of Brad Johnson and Cameron Peters, and goals to Jamie Riordan and Kurt Freer.
In the second, Nangiloc gathered momentum courtesy of Peters and Troy Francis. Bambill, despite Jarratt Farley’s best efforts down back, looked a little slow as their 18-point quarter time lead dissolved to just four at the main break.
Nangiloc started impressively in the third, with Jared Turvey’s clearance leading to Sam Lee converting. But Hickey then re-emerged, kicking five as Bambill surged clear. Ryan McClelland provided first-class service to the likes of Robert Morgan and Keating as all seemed lost for the Demons.
Another 6.5 to 2.2 in the last reminded the competition that the Saints are still a force to be reckoned with. Hickey ended up best afield with nine, while Turvey and Peters were the Demons’ standouts.
Next week, Cardross and Werrimull collide under lights at Red Cliffs on Friday, Euston host Bambill, and Nangiloc host Gol Gol.
Last Modified on 22/04/2012 11:58