BALRANALD almost produced one of the upset wins of the past decade, coming close to toppling four-time reigning Central Murray Football Netball League premiers, Kerang on Saturday.
Missing ruckman Troy Davis and utility, Blake Shay, the Blues trailed by two points at three-quarter time, but kicked the only goal of the final term – booted by co-coach, Troy Coates – to win by eight points.
The ‘Roos have not won a game since late last season, but the inclusion of Cameron Barrett and Joel Stevenson gave the visitors added drive, evident in the side leading at each break.
However, Kerang stood up when it counted, with Coates kicking four of the Blues’ eight goals.
The win moved Kerang to second on the ladder, with the side benefiting from Koondrook/Barham’s 68-point loss to Nyah-Nyah West United.
The Demons were too strong across four quarters, extending its lead at every break to record a seventh win of the season.
Tom Lamb was the only multiple goalkicker for the Raiders in the club’s first loss since round one, whilst Matthew Campbell kicked seven goals in a win that moved the Demons to the top of the ladder with one game in hand.
It was also a dismal day for the Cohuna Kangas, who are two wins outside the top four following a 57-point loss to Tooleybuc/Manangatang.
The Kangas conceded nine goals in the opening term at Manangatang and despite keeping the Saints goalless in the second quarter, could not fight their way back into the game.
Ben Archard and Rhys Thrum kicked three goals each for the Kangas, whilst Stephen Lyons led the way for the Saints, booting six goals.
