WANDELLA consolidated its spot in the Golden Rivers Football League top four with a 47-point win against defending premiers, Murrabit.
On a day when the Blues celebrated 10 years since the club’s 2007 premiership success, the current crop of players were no match for a Bombers outfit that finds itself third on the ladder at the midway point of the season.
Led by five goals from Sam Sperling and four goals each from James Kavanagh and Kokwam Niki, Wandella opened up a 24-point lead at the main break, which the visitors increased to 51 points at half-time.
The sting of the game had disappeared during the third quarter, with both sides unable to take control of the match.
Justin McConnell (three goals), Josh Dwyer (two goals) and Nathan Henry (two goals) were the only multiple goalkickers for the Blues, who are one win outside the top four.
Niki and Bradley Delamare were best on ground for the Bombers, who take on competition leaders, Ultima, this weekend.
Dwyer and McConnell stood out for Murrabit, who travel to Macorna in four days time.
Perfect start for ‘Roos
ULTIMA remains undefeated after playing each Golden Rivers Football League side once in season 2017.
The ‘Roos saw off Hay in a 65-point victory – a result that pushed the Lions down to fourth on the ladder.
Although leading at quarter time and trailing by nine points at the main break, Hay was no match for last season’s grand finalists in the second half.
Ultima kicked 12 goals to four after half-time to secure an eighth win of the season.
Matthew O’Toole (five goals) and Ryan Devereux (four goals) led the way in front of goal for the hosts, with Jermaine Dixon (three goals) Hay’s best attacking option.
Kyle Symons and Andrew Bennett were best on ground for the ‘Roos, with Jackson Ferguson – who was held goalless – and Jason Henderson playing well for the Lions.
Ultima faces Wandella this weekend, with Hay to host Wakool.
Saints too strong
QUAMBATOOK produced its biggest win in two seasons, defeating Wakool by 158 points.
Ethan Tibbles (six goals) and Martin Angus (five goals) took advantage of the work the Saints’ midfielders did to record the club’s best result since a 199-point win against Moulamein in 2015.
The visitors went into the quarter time break holding a 50-point lead after keeping the Hawks scoreless in the opening term, with the margin increasing to 87 points at the main break.
Wakool was still goalless at three-quarter time, with Matthew Landini registering the host’s only major in the final quarter.
Jack Baker and Gregor Knight were best on ground for the Saints, with Matthew Sparey and Daniel Green playing well for the Hawks.
The win leaves Quambatook two wins outside the top four, with a key match this weekend against Moulamein, which had the bye on Saturday.
The loss was the Hawks’ seventh 100-plus point defeat of the year, and it could be a similar situation this Saturday when the club travels to take on Hay.
Heslop’s day out
THIRTEEN goals from Kal Heslop helped Nullawil record a 195-point win against Macorna at the weekend.
The win moved the Maroons to second on the ladder going into the round 10 bye, with Heslop now leading the race for the competition’s top goalkicker.
Nullawil held a 60-point lead at quarter time, with the hosts going into the main break up by 119 points.
The margin increased to 176 points with one term to play, with the Tigers only having four points to their name.
Mark Carter and Daniel Edwards ensured Macorna would score at least one goal for the match, but the result leaves the side ninth on the ladder.
Heslop and Kyle Doran were best on ground for the victors, with Jacob McIntosh and Jessi Lampi playing well for the Tigers.
