THAT’S BETTER HAWKS
By Louie Bulzomi
Gol Gol replaced last week’s Werrimull disaster with a 90-point Bambill slaughter at Carramar Drive, 20.10 (130) to 6.4 (40), reclaiming second spot.
Hawks Clint Burdett, Dustin Duggan, Darren Brown and Tony Albert set the tone early, controlling the midfield and repeatedly hitting up Sonny Lindsey and the returning Kaleb Sherwell. The Saints were lethargic and could’ve been further behind if not for Ryan McClelland, Justin Merrett and Michael Hickey.
Goalless last week, Nick Rodi rediscovered form with three second-quarter majors as Gol Gol took a commanding 10-goal lead. Bambill’s backline was too loose, allowing continuous easy footy to flow in.
Jason Hahnel moved into the middle to start the third, and he and Luke Keating led a mini Saint revival. But the Hawks quickly turned the tables and extended their lead with Burdett, Duggan, Albert and David Gray unstoppable.
Gol Gol kept answering challenges in the last with Dion Collins, Clinton French, Mel Ficarra and John Thompson terrific down back. Lindsey and Rodi ended with 14 goals between them, while McClelland was the sole multiple goalkicker for Bambill with two.
The battle for fourth remains wide open after Cardross got the better of Euston by 26 points, 18.10 (118) to 14.8 (92), at Bomberland.
A sizzling first term in freezing conditions saw the Bombers take a slender two-point lead with Ian Mennie, Linden Duryea and Toby Quirk-Meeks presenting well and Daniel Farnsworth resolute in defence. For the Lions, Andrew Ferguson looked strong, Tom Wallace gathered plenty, and Jake Zoch imposed himself everywhere.
Things remained tight in the second. Cardross looked to lead at half-time thanks to Mitch Bateman’s timely defensive spoils and the midfield work of Eamon Higgins and Wallace. But a Duryea goal from an Adam Burkinshaw assist ensured Euston would lead instead.
Damien Spicer ignited the Lions in the third, becoming the vital link in many of their five goals. Along with Evan Pitt’s brilliant tackling and J.Zoch’s continued ruck dominance, they led by 11 at the last change.
Luke Benham and Mennie kept the Bombers alive early in the last, but the lack of direction of many players when in possession cost them dearly in the end. Duryea kicked six for Euston, while for Cardross Ferguson booted seven.
If last week was Nangiloc’s best game this season, this week far eclipsed it. But it was another loss – 28 points to ladder leaders Werrimull, 22.15 (147) to 18.11 (119) at Lake Cullulleraine.
A Paul Jenkins goal for the Magpies 27 seconds in gave the impression of a one-sided affair. But thanks to David Keens and Sam Lee, the Demons kept well within touch.
Werrimull seemed off the boil; injuries to playmakers Ryan Tierney and Jamie Keenan in the second, and a yellow card to Shannon Anthony, not helping their cause. In contrast, Nangiloc were playing brilliantly and looked a genuine chance to cause the upset of the season.
Goals to Keens and Kurt Freer gave the Demons the lead early in the third, but a bad injury to Scott Golding – and a team-lifting performance by Ash Bates – helped turn the tables back in Werrimull’s favour by just seven points.
The goal of the day – a 55m bomb from Courtney Moore – helped seal the win for Werrimull in the last. Mark Duscher and Adam Thomson slotted five apiece, while Lee kicked five and Cameron Peters three for Nangiloc.
Next week, Cardross take on Nangiloc at Henshilwood Oval in the solitary game of the week.
Last Modified on 01/07/2012 14:36