BOTH BIRDS IN TOP FLIGHT
By Louie Bulzomi
Gol Gol and Werrimull further tightened their grips on the vital double chance with hard-fought wins over Euston and Bambill respectively.
At Bomberland, the Hawks were seriously challenged for three quarters but eventually had too much in reserve, defeating the Bombers by 40 points, 17.13 (115) to 11.9 (75).
In chilly conditions, both sides turned on a pulsating first term. Euston were able to sneak in front on the back of evergreen Phil Connell’s ruckwork, Josh Healy’s playmaking, Cleon Hannah’s speed along the wing, and Daniel Farnsworth’s superb defensive work on Sonny Lindsey.
A four-goal burst from Gol Gol midway through the second gave them the ascendancy, and with Clint Burdett, Tim Vandenberg, Dustin Duggan and Clinton French all contributing across half back and in the middle, the floodgates threatened to open. But Linden Duryea’s two late goals kept the Bombers in touch.
Toby Quirk-Meeks kept his troops out on the ground during the long break, but it backfired early in the third as the Hawks soared to a four-goal lead via the midfield dominance of Burdett and Duggan. But some inspirational marking and goalkicking by J.Healy ensured Euston wouldn’t wave the white flag.
With a 15-point deficit and finals hopes dwindling, the Bombers gave it their all in the last term. But it wasn’t to be, as David Gray scored the first goal for Gol Gol who never looked back after that. Burdett finished with best-on-ground honours for the Hawks, while Lindsey kicked six goals despite the fine efforts of Farnsworth.
Mildura Senior College is generally daunting for the Saints’ opposition. But the Magpies have no fears, with this 20-point win (16.6 (102) to 12.10 (82)) the second time they’ve won there this season.
Without Matt Kelly, Michael Harradine, Jamie Keenan, Chris McGregor and Jamie Roberts, Werrimull’s backline was severely tested. But they battled magnificently in the first, with Mark Thornton and Dan Smith halting David Hall and Michael Hickey. For Bambill, Luke Hubble was marking everything in sight as both sides ended the quarter level.
Goals were hard to come by in the second, but major Magpie forwards Mark Duscher and Adam Thomson each scored one as they took a seven-point lead at the main change. The Saints’ ball use was letting them down, but the tackling and grunt work of Robbie Morgan and Justin Merrett, and the continued marking prowess of Hubble and Paul Lewis in defence, helped keep them in it.
In stunning contrast, the third term produced many goals. Werrimull flourished with goals to M.Duscher, Thomson and Brad Duscher, but Merrett responded with two important goals to engineer a Bambill revival. Big Saint Ryan McClelland began to dominate the hitouts and benefit Morgan and Merrett, but Magpie adversaries Aaron Milner and Jay Savage continued to hold up well and assist the likes of Shannon Anthony and Ryan Tierney.
The final term was exciting. Brant Reid’s vital three goals gave Bambill the lead with little time left before M.Duscher booted three of his own to kill off the challenge. A fantastic result once again for the undermanned Werrimull, showcasing their wonderful depth to remain in the box seat for the premiership.
Next week, all games are in close proximity of each other to honour the Millewa Netball League’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. Gol Gol host Cardross, Bambill host Nangiloc, and Werrimull collide with Euston at Aero Oval.
Last Modified on 16/07/2012 19:18