DEFENDING Golden Rivers Football League premiers, Murrabit kept its title defence alive at the weekend, defeating Nullawil by 16 points.
The win leaves the Blues fifth on the ladder, with percentage separating the side and the fourth-placed Maroons.
Nullawil held a six-point lead at quarter time, but were kept goalless in the second and third terms.
Thanks to the efforts of Murrabit’s defenders – including 200-game premiership coach, Josh Bray – and midfielders, the hosts held a 14-point lead at the main break and a 33-point advantage at three-quarter time.
The Maroons dominated in the final term, kicking four goals from nine scoring shots.
Justin McConnell kicked three goals for the Blues, with Kal Heslop (two goals) the Maroons’ leading scorer.
Bryden Morison and Joel Cross were best on ground for Murrabit, with Grant Ford and Rhys Thompson playing well for Nullawil.
Murrabit will next play on July 15 against Ultima, with Nullawil hosting the ‘Roos this weekend.
Rampant ‘Roos
ULTIMA bounced back from its first loss of the season in the best way possible – restricting Macorna to two goals for the match in a 152-point victory.
The ‘Roos remain one win ahead of the competition after 11 rounds thanks to the efforts of Ryan Devereux (seven goals) and best on ground player, Luke Kelson (four goals).
The hosts kept the Tigers scoreless in the opening term to open up a 60-point lead, which increased to 77 points at the main break.
The Tigers’ only two goals of the game came in the second quarter – kicked by Daniel Edwards and Nathan Orr – with the winless team only managing one behind in the second half.
It was a different situation for last season’s grand finalists, who kicked 11.10 after half-time.
The win gave the ‘Roos ideal preparation going into this weekend’s top-four clash against Nullawil.
Macorna – whose best players were Jacob McIntosh and Lachlan Allison – will look for its first win of the season on Saturday when the side hosts Wakool.
Lions fight back
A 10-GOAL to three second quarter and accurate kicking helped Hay see off Moulamein by 38 points.
The sixth-placed Swans were well placed to produce an upset win against the top-four Lions, leading by 10 points at quarter time.
However, the visitors dominated after the opening break, going into the rooms with a 37-point lead.
Hay increased its lead to 53 points in the third quarter, but like it did the previous weekend against Quambatook, the Swans controlled play in the final quarter.
Former coach, Simon Bunyan (seven goals) and current leader, Taylor Williamson (five goals) led the way for the Lions, with Kenneth Jubb and Ben Arandt also playing well.
Tim O’Brien and Tim Hanns were best on ground for the Swans, with five players booting two goals in the match.
The Swans travel to Wandella this weekend, whilst Hay – who are now third on the ladder – host Quambatook.
McGrath masterclass
FORMER Brisbane player, Jaden McGrath played his best match since joining Wandella at the start of the season.
McGrath kicked six goals and was best on ground in the Bombers’ 162-point win against Wakool.
McGrath’s efforts helped his fellow teammates Paul Grayling (seven goals) and Isaac Hogan in securing an eighth win of the season to remain one victory off top spot on the ladder.
In the club’s first visit to Wakool to take on the Hawks in close to two years, Wandella opened up a 28-point lead at quarter time, which increased to 60 points at the main break.
The Hawks failed to kick a goal in the second half, enabling Wandella to boot 16 goals combined in the final two quarters.
Luke Kirkland kicked three of the Hawks’ four goals of the match, with Joe Thompson and Dudley Bibby playing well for the hosts.
Wandella will host Moulamein this weekend, with the Hawks to travel to Macorna.
