DENARO’S MILESTONE SOURED
By Louie Bulzomi
Despite the returns of experienced campaigners Brad Smith and Joey Bulzomi, and the celebration of Joseph Denaro’s 150th game, Euston lost at home to Werrimull by 41 points, 17.9 (111) to 10.10 (70), after a spirited third quarter comeback.
The Bombers fumbled the footy early as the Magpies cashed in with goals to Mark Duscher and Andrew Bailey. A towering Tom Healy mark deep in defence led to a chain of passes from Phil Connell to J.Denaro to Ian Mennie, who converted to get Euston going. At quarter time the Magpies held a 10-point lead.
A serious knee injury to key defender Anthony McMahon opened a gaping hole in the Bombers’ defence, and Werrimull took advantage in the second term kicking 5.3 to 1.3. M.Duscher, Bailey and Adam Thomson added to their goal tallies, while Ryan Tierney and Paul Jenkins were dictating terms around the ground.
The Magpies slotted the first of the third within 30 seconds through Brad Duscher to kick 40 points clear, but Euston suddenly came storming back. Goals to Mennie, Toby Quirk-Meeks, Josh Healy (two), Cleon Hannah and Linden Duryea sliced the margin to less than a goal. Sheer jubilation then engulfed the Bomber faithful when J.Denaro put them in front at quarter’s end. His uncle Larry, volunteering as a goal umpire, couldn’t contain his excitement – even more so watching his son Bryce continually pump the ball inside 50!
Tempers flared as the last quarter approached, with Connell and B.Duscher both receiving yellow cards. When the dust settled, Werrimull regained the ascendancy and kicked seven unanswered goals to extinguish the Bomber fightback. M.Duscher and Thomson finished with four goals apiece, while Jenkins, Tierney and the Denaro boys were the better ball winners.
Bambill continued their charge back into premiership contention with a strong 63-point victory over winless Nangiloc at Mildura Senior College, 21.16 (142) to 12.7 (79).
The Demons started well with the first goal of the game courtesy of Kurt Freer. But the Saints soon took control via a goal from returning skipper Andrew Ross and three to Michael Hickey. Nangiloc were powerless to stop the run and carry of speedy Steve Sellens, who was prominent in many of Bambill’s six first-quarter goals. Luke Hubble and Chris Curran were also superb, repelling many a Demon attack as the Saints led by 30 points at quarter time.
The second term was more of an even affair, as Nangiloc fought back with Jared Turvey and Luke Collett lifting up the ground. Stirring goals to David Keens and Jamie Riordan were highlights for the Demons, but Bambill withstood the onslaught and increased their lead thanks to the efforts of Robbie Morgan, Luke Stanbrook and Justin Merrett.
The Saints started the third well with goals to Hickey and Merrett, but Nangiloc hit back hard with the next six goals to get within 15 points. Keens and Freer were standing tall up forward, and Ben Crosbie and Cameron Peters influenced the stoppages. Bambill needed steadiers, and got them late via Hickey and David Hall to lead by 29 at the final change.
The last term was all the Saints, with Simon Kelly and Ben Casey continuing to run hard as others tired out. Hickey kicked six for Bambill, while Freer ended up with five for Nangiloc.
After the Queen’s Birthday break, Gol Gol host Nangiloc, Cardross play Werrimull at Henshilwood Oval, and Bambill take on Euston at Mildura Senior College.
Last Modified on 05/06/2012 07:15