THIRD placed side, Murrabit holds a two-win advantage over three teams battling for fourth spot on the Golden Rivers Football League ladder at the halfway mark of the season.
The Blues held off a gallant Nullawil outfit to win by nine points on Saturday – the club’s sixth win of 2016.
Wet and greasy conditions greeted players on Saturday which made it hard for free flowing footy to be played, but it did not make the footy any less entertaining.
Murrabit elected to kick to the town end of the ground, which proved to the predominant scoring end for the day.
As expected there were a high amount of stoppages throughout the day, with contested possession and clearances vital.
Ruckman Andrew Spitty was able to win numerous hit-outs for the Blues, and their midfielders in Matt Roberts and Sam Harvey won the ball early, giving coach, Nathan Henry first use.
It was a tight and fierce first quarter, with both sides throwing bodies in ferociously, and with only two goals kicked for the quarter, the Blues were able to hold a 14-point lead.
Murrabit’s dominance continued in the second quarter, with Tom Hetherington helping to push the margin out to 26 points midway through the term.
Not to be outdone, Nullawil showed fight and were desperate to get back in the match. Daniel Watts found his way into the game with numerous clearances, and late goals to Austin Hogan and Matt Harrop kept the margin at a manageable 13 points at the half.
The second half continued on in the same vain with a physical grind. Stoppages were rolling and the game at times resembled more of a rugby maul. Conditions began to deteriorate, and with the constant drizzle bodies kept flying around.
The margin stayed at a similar margin through the quarter, with both sides trading goals and neither side able to shake the other. Every time Nullawil looked as if they would get back within a kick, Murrabit responded and through Henry and Brett McCombe looked dangerous deep forward.
In a ferocious encounter, the match was still on the line at three-quarter time, with the blues holding a 14-point lead.
One sensed that if Nullawil were going to win the game that they needed to kick the first goal. Both sides knew the importance of this, and numbers were significant around the ball.
Around stoppages there would be upwards of 20 players and the congestion meant that there was a number of repeat efforts and fierce tackling.
The Maroons kicked the first goal at the eight-minute mark through Grant Ford, but McCombe had a huge influence, booting two of his five goals for the game near the end of the match to seal the win for the Blues.
Murrabit will travel to Quambatook following the Queen’s Birthday break, with the Maroons hosting fellow finals aspirant, Hay.
Clinical ‘Roos stop Tigers
ULTIMA’S winning streak grew to seven games at the weekend after the reigning Golden Rivers Football League premiers defeated Macorna by 40 points.
Boosted by the return of former E.G. Hunt Medallist, Luke O’Toole, the ‘Roos took advantage of the Tigers’ inaccuracy in front of goal to record a seventh win of the season.
The signs of a one-sided encounter were evident early, with the visitors – playing at Macorna for the first time since last season’s grand final – scoring in the opening minute.
The Tigers, who were missing Wayne Mitrovic, were getting their share of the ball, but wasted chances across the half-forward line and could not capitalise in front of goal.
It was a different story for the ‘Roos, with O’Toole running rampant across the half-back line and captain, Brenton Pay linking up on the wing.
Ultima was patient with its attacking moves, with players waiting for a free option to move the ball down the ground before kicking inside 50 for Basil Althouse and Ryan Devereux.
Ultima held a 21-point lead at the first break, which extended to close to five goals before Brett Collins opened the Tigers’ account midway through the second quarter.
The ‘Roos quickly replied, and held a 24-point lead at the main break, despite having one less scoring shot.
The visitors kept control of play in the third term, with a goal from Ethan Tibbles late in the quarter ending a run of three consecutive majors. However, the lead was 31 points with one quarter to play.
Devereux, coach Jack O’Rourke and Tom Bull kicked two goals each for the ‘Roos, with Macorna relying on single goalkickers.
O’Toole and Luke Kelson – who played on Collins – were best on ground for the visitors, with Matt Ladson and Jacob McIntosh recognised for their roles by the home side.
Ultima will host Wandella in a top of the table clash on June 18, with Macorna – which sit sixth on the ladder with a 4-4 record – to travel to Moulamein.
Wandella dominant
WANDELLA moved to second on the GRFL ladder thanks to a 56-point win against Quambatook.
Greg Dickson kicked five goals for the Bombers, who are one win behind competition leaders, Ultima after eight rounds.
The Bombers set up the win in the first half, kicking 10 of the first 12 goals of the match to lead by 50 points at half-time.
The sides went goal for goal in the second half, with the win giving the Bombers a percentage boost.
Paul Grayling chipped in with three goals for the victors, with Callaghan Gray and Dylan McGrath named best on ground for the Bombers.
Gregor Knight (two goals) and Luke Jackson played well for the Saints, who are three wins outside the top four with eight rounds to play.
Wandella will travel to Ultima on June 18 in a battle of the competition’s top two sides, whilst the Saints must defeat Murrabit at home to keep its finals hopes alive.
Lions back in four
HAY moved to fourth on the GRFL ladder thanks to a 81-point win against Moulamein at home.
Daniel Edwards (four goals) and Patrick Miller (three) led the way for the home side, which kept the winless Swans goalles for the second and third quarters.
Hay held a nine-point lead at quarter time, with last season’s semi-finalists extending its lead to 34 points at the main break.
A further three goals in the third term wrapped up the win, with the home side leading by 53 points with one quarter to play.
The Swans only managed three goals for the second week in a row, with Austin Mertz, Michael Morson and Tim O’Brien registering majors for the visitors.
Ricki Water and Taylor Williamson were best on ground for the Lions, with Ben Booth and Tom Hanns playing well for the Swans.
The Lions – who have a 4-4 record at the midway mark of the season – travel to Nullawil looking to end a decade-long drought at the venue on June 18, whilst the Swans will host Macorna.
