DEES FADE LATE AGAIN
By Louie Bulzomi
All year long the MFL has been bracing for a Nangiloc breakthrough. After encouraging performances against Euston and Werrimull, the battle with Cardross at Henshilwood Oval looked to finally be it, with the Demons in control for the first three quarters and maintaining a handy lead throughout. But in heartbreaking fashion once again they fell away when it mattered most, as the Lions stormed home to pinch a 9-point win, 14.9 (93) to 12.12 (84).
Early on it seemed that Cardross, eager to establish a break on the Bombers in fourth spot, had their sights set on a big victory, with Ben Ransome latching on to the first clearance and hitting Mark East on the lead for the first goal just 20 seconds in. But Nangiloc through David Keens answered immediately, followed by two goals each to Troy Francis and Jamie Riordan as they snuck away to a 12-point lead by the end of the first term.
Missed opportunities, coupled with an Evan Pitt indiscretion that forced him onto the pine, hurt the Lions in the opening stages of the second quarter. But they still managed to convert the first goal through Damien Spicer. The Demons then regained the ascendancy through the dominance of Jared Turvey, Luke Collett and Sam Lee until Ethan Zoch, assuming the main ruck position left by injured brother Jake, started to get first hands on the footy to help halt Nangiloc’s momentum and keep Cardross within striking distance.
To start the third, the Demons hit the scoreboard on five consecutive occasions, but only Luke Weaver managed to kick truly. Amongst all that bombardment Brady Dalla Santa stood tall, allowing the Lions to rebound and hit back via goals to Andrew Ferguson and East. But again Nangiloc rose to the challenge and kicked away through Cameron Cox and wily veteran Gary Weaver to go into the final change 27 points clear.
With Ben Mansell, Ben Crosbie and Collett resolute in defence, and Cameron Peters, Francis and Turvey strong in the midfield, the Demons could see the light at the end of the tunnel. But Cardross had other ideas, turning on a scintillating 7.2 to 1.2 last quarter to hit the front with two minutes to go and seal the win with 30 seconds left. Ransome, sent off during the quarter after a minor scuffle with a Nangiloc water boy, had a huge impact once he came back on late with three crucial centre clearances, while East and Ferguson were pivotal up forward finishing with six and four goals respectively for the Lions.
Next week, Euston host Gol Gol and Bambill welcome Werrimull to complete Round 11.
Last Modified on 09/07/2012 15:24