QUAMBATOOK will go into the Golden Rivers Football League Easter break with a perfect start to the season.
The Saints doubled their wins achieved in 2016 at the weekend, prevailing by 52 points against an undermanned Nullawil side.
A six-goal to zero second quarter set up the win for the hosts, who relied on Andrew Hughes, Ricky Jochinke, Dylan Pascoe and Ethan Tibbles – who all kicked two goals – to generate scoreboard pressure.
One goal separated the teams at the first break, before the second quarter onslaught pushed the margin out to 50 points.
The result was all but confirmed with one quarter to play, with the Maroons – who missed a number of key players due to other commitments – trailing by 52 points.
The Maroons’ four goals came from single goalkickers, with Matt Harrop and Scott Mathiske playing well for the visitors.
Jason Linke and Jack Baker were best on ground for the victors, who host Hay when action resumes on April 22.
The Maroons will travel to Ultima on April 23 in the competition’s only Sunday game of the home and away season.
Swans scare Blues
MURRABIT remains on top of the Golden Rivers Football League ladder after two rounds, but received a scare from Moulamein at the weekend.
In almost similar circumstances to the last time the Blues travelled north to take on the Swans, it took a second half effort to shake of the hosts, with the defending premiers eventually winning by 32 points.
Former coach, Nathan Henry was the difference between the sides, with the spearhead kicking seven of the Blues’ 14 goals.
Murrabit held a three-point lead at the first change of events, which the Swans reduced to one point at the main break.
A five-goal to one third term shifted the momentum Murrabit’s way, with the visitors holding a 26-point lead with one quarter remaining.
Henry and Justin McConnell – who chipped in with four goals – were best on ground for the Blues, with Tom Isma and Ryan Merritt standouts for Moulamein.
Moulamein will play its second consecutive home match on April 22 when the Swans host Wandella, whilst the Blues will have the bye.
‘Roos rampant at Wakool
A 15-GOAL second half helped Ultima begins its 2017 Golden Rivers Football League season in the best way possible.
Six goals from Arnold Kirby and four majors to Ryan Devereux helped the ‘Roos produce a 136-point win against Wakool in what was the Hawks’ first home game since 2015.
The signs of a blowout were evident early in the game, with the 2016 grand finalists kicking six of the opening seven goals of the game to open up a 39-point lead at quarter time.
The margin could have been even larger, with the ‘Roos amassing 18 scoring shots in the first 25 minutes of the game.
The margin increased to 49 points at the main break, before the second-half onslaught.
The hosts could only manage two goals in the final hour of the match as the visitors kicked 16 goals from 24 scoring shots.
Former coach, Luke O’Toole and Kirby were best on ground for the victors, with Dylan Friedberger and Joe Thompson playing well for the Hawks.
Ultima will host Nullawil on Sunday, April 23, with Wakool to play Macorna one day earlier.
Lions’ day out
TEN goals to Jackson Ferguson helped Hay produce a 166-point win against Macorna at the weekend.
In what was one the Lions’ best on-field performances this century, the hosts kicked 31 goals whilst restricting the Tigers to six goals from 10 scoring shots.
Ferguson was the standout for the Lions, playing a key role to help the side bounce back from an opening round loss to Wandella.
Hay opened up a 37-point lead at quarter time, with the margin increasing to 77 points at the main break thanks to a nine-goal to three second period.
The game was out of the Tigers’ reach by the third quarter, with Hay opening up a 120-point lead by the three-quarter time siren, with a seven-goal to no score final term ending the day the best way possible.
Ferguson and Jermaine Dixon were best on ground for the hosts, with Laing Whinfield, Jacob McIntosh and Ricki Waters – who kicked three goals in his return to his former club – playing well for the Tigers.
Hay will play Quambatook on April 22, with the Tigers to travel to Wakool.
* Wandella had the bye.
