WAKOOL recorded its first Golden Rivers Football League win in 21 months at the weekend, coming from behind to defeat Macorna by 13 points.
In a high-scoring affair, the Hawks overcame a three-point three-quarter time deficit to break a seven-match losing streak and record the club’s first win since July 2015.
Key forward, Luke Kirkland rediscovered his best form that helped the Hawks claim the premiership in 2013, booting seven of the home side’s 17 goals.
Accurate kicking kept Macorna in the match early, recording four goals from its only scoring shots to trail by 10 points at the opening break.
A seven-goal to five second term turned the game the Tigers’ way, with Michael Rowe’s men going into the main break with an 11-point advantage.
Wakool cut the deficit back to less than a kick with one quarter to play, before a five-goal to two final term secured the club’s first points since returning to the league this year.
Will Jefferson, Dylan Friedberger and Kirkland were best on ground for the victors, with the win moving the side to seventh on the ladder.
Daniel Edwards (four goals) and Jordan Simpson (three goals) led the way for the visitors, with Ricki Waters – who also kicked three goals – joining Simpson as one of the Tigers’ better players.
Wakool faces the challenge of travelling to Nullawil this weekend, with the Tigers to play fellow winless side, Moulamein.
Lions better in the wet
HAY handed the wet conditions at the Quambatook Recreation Reserve better on Saturday, producing a seven-point win against the Saints.
In what proved to be a tough contest for both sides, a four-goal to one third quarter ended up being the difference between the sides.
Significant rainfall the day before the match meant players had to deal with a wet ground, negating Quambatook’s midfield speed.
The Lions opened up an eight-point advantage at the first change of ends, before a four-goal to one second quarter gave Quambatook an 11-point lead at the main break.
Hay responded in the third term to hold a nine-point lead at three-quarter time, with both teams kicking two goals each in the final stanza.
Jackson Ferguson continued his fine form in front of goal, with four majors increasing his 2017 total to 17 from three games, with Matthew Round and Hugh McLean playing well for the victors.
Andrew Hughes kicked three goals for the Saints, with captain Gregor Knight, Jason Linke and Jack Baker standing out for the Saints.
The win moved Hay to third on the ladder prior to this weekend’s bye, with the Saints dropping to fifth with a 2-1 record going into their trip up Kerang-Quambatook Road to take on the undefeated Wandella.
‘Roos did it for O’Toole
ULTIMA moved to the top of the Golden Rivers Football League ladder following a 44-point win against Nullawil in Sunday’s ANZAC clash.
In what doubled as Luke O’Toole’s 200th match for the ‘Roos, the home side took advantage of the Maroons’ inaccuracy in front of goal to remain undefeated in season 2017.
Despite recording two less scoring shots, the hosts held an 18-point lead at quarter time, which 25 points at the main break.
Nullawil was able to keep up with the 2016 grand finalists in the third term, with the Mallee-based rivals trailing by 24 points with one quarter to play, but Ultima took control of the match in the final period.
Callan Farrell (four goals) and Luke Kelson (three goals) led the way for the victors, with Arnold Kirby and Joshua Stone best on ground.
Andrew Oberdorfer kicked four of Nullawil’s eight goals of the match, with former coach, Scott Mathiske also playing well.
Ultima will travel to Murrabit this weekend in a rematch of the 2016 decider, with Nullawil to host the seventh-placed Maroons.
Bombers given a scare
WANDELLA left Moulamein with a 51-point win under its belt, but it was tense time going into the final quarter for the 2016 semi-finalists.
The Bombers opened up a 40-point lead at half-time, only to see the advantage shrink to 16 points with one term to play.
In what turned out to be one of the Swans’ best performances against the Bombers since 2008. Max Baldissers (four goals) and Ethan Saville gave the home team’s supporters hope that a 17-match losing streak against Wandella could end.
However, Paul Grayling’s side upped its output in the final quarter, kicking eight goals to three to remain undefeated in season 2017.
Sam Sperling added to his round one efforts in front of goal, kicking four majors, with Jack Danckert, Callaghan Gray and Justin Robinson chipping in with three goals each.
Robinson, Dylan McGrath and Mathew Close were best on ground for the victors, who host Quambatook in the club’s first home game of the season this weekend.
Moulamein will look to win its first match since round 13 last year this weekend when it travels to Macorna.
* MURRABIT had the bye.
