TWO Golden Rivers Football League stalwarts turned back the clock in an enthralling match between two-time reigning premiers, Ultima and Mallee rivals, Nullawil.
Former E.G. Hunt Medallist, Luke O’Toole led a second half comeback to guide the ‘Roos to an 18-point victory – a response after former key Nullawil forward, Reece Poyner took control of the match in the second quarter.
Both sides went into the round four encounter at Nullawil undermanned. The home side was missing the Royce Free, Nick Williams and the Heslop brothers – Kal and Matt – whilst Ultima did not have captain Brenton Pay or Stewart Broussard to rely on.
As was expected, the match was frenetic in intensity early, and tackling pressure throughout the midfield was forcing plenty of stoppages, and despite the efforts of Grant Ford and Matt Harrop in the midfield, Ultima looked more comfortable kicking with the breeze.
Basil Althouse dominated early against Jarrod Kemp, and with Jacob Schaper beginning to control proceedings across the midfield, the ‘Roos looked like they would take the points. However, one point separated the sides at the opening break.
Nullawil, through Poyner – playing his first senior match since the 2014 second semi-final against the ‘Roos – began to take control of the game in the second term.
The tall forward saw off Andrew Bennett, then Nathan Condely to boot two goals and give the home side a 12-point lead at the main break.
The Maroons doubled the margin early in the third quarter against the breeze, with Scott Mathiske leading proceedings.
By this stage Daniel Watts and Jack Barry were highly influential in the contested ball for the home side, and shaded the overall clearances, with Watts in particular noticeable with his penetrating field kicking setting up Nullawil scores.
Yet it was O’Toole that would add another twist to the game. With Althouse on the bench, the former coach moved forward, kicking two goals and reducing the deficit to one point at the final break.
Ultima hit the front early in the final term, limiting Nullawil to two inside 50 entries for the quarter before Althouse sealed the win with his third major.
O’Toole finished with three goals, with Tom Isma booting two – including one after the final siren.
Poyner and Harrop kicked two goals each for the home team, who host Moulamein this weekend.
Schaper and O’Toole were best on ground for the victors, who will look to go 4-1 on Saturday in the grand final rematch against Quambatook.
Bombers back on top
WANDELLA reclaimed top spot on the GRFL ladder following a 76-point win against an undermanned Macorna.
Bombers coach, Paul Grayling kicked six goals, with Tim Robinson and Clinton Cummins chipping in with three goals each, to inflict the Tigers’ first loss of the season.
The home side – who went into the game without midfielder Daniel Baker – controlled the game from the opening bounce, amassing a 44-point lead at quarter time.
The absence of Macorna coach, Wayne Mitrovic and 2016 recruit, Sam Anstey was evident in the second term for the visitors, who failed to kick a goal as the margin extended to 58 points.
Wandella increased its lead to 73 points by the final break, with the Tigers’ inaccuracy in front of goal taking its toll.
Macorna finished with four goals for the match, all booted by individual goalkickers, adding to the club’s poor record at the Wandella Recreation Reserve.
Grayling, Justin Wilson and Brodey Farley were best on ground for the Bombers, with Shaun Douglass, Jordan Simpson and Jacob McIntosh playing well for the Tigers.
Wandella takes on fellow top four side, Hay this weekend, with Macorna to host Murrabit.
Inaccuracy hurts Saints
HAY bounced back from its round three loss to Macorna, inflicting a 104-point win against Quambatook.
Patrick Rattray booted the Saints’ only two goals of the match as the 2015 grand finalists recorded their fourth consecutive loss of the season.
The Lions made the most of the Saints’ inaccuracy in front of goal, creating a 30-point lead at quarter time that extended to 74 points at the main break.
Although Hay could only manage one goal in the third quarter, Quambatook did not capitalise, with the visitors kicking five behinds for the term.
Daniel Edwards booted seven goals for the victors, with Taylor Williamson chipping in with five goals.
Angus McSweyn, Simon Bunyan and Jackson Ferguson were best on ground for Hay, with Gregor Knight, Luke Jackson and Ash Davis standing out for the visitors.
Hay travels to Wandella this weekend for a clash between the competition’s top two teams, with the Saints to meet Ultima in a rematch of last season’s grand final.
Blues’ day out
MURRABIT gave its percentage a significant boost, with the Blues defeating Moulamein by 152 points.
Signs of a one-sided encounter were evident early, with the home side opening up a 58-point lead at the first break.
The rout continued during the second and third quarters, with the margin increasing to 89 points at the main break and 133 points at the final change.
Moulamein’s four goals of the match came in the final term, but the Blues claimed the quarter thanks to seven goals to the home side.
Murrabit coach, Nathan Henry kicked seven of the Blues’ 28 goals scored in the match, with Bryden Morison, Josh Dwyer and Brett McCombe best on ground for the victors.
Ben Buxton and Michael Moreson stood out for the Swans, who travel to Nullawil this weekend.
Murrabit will look to go 3-2 on Saturday with a win at Macorna.
