WANDELLA confirmed its presence as a Golden Rivers Football League premiership challenger, prevailing against the previously undefeated Ultima by 45 points.
Inaccuracy in front of goal hurt the 2016 grand finalists’ hopes in the first half, with both sides recording five scoring shots in the opening term and nine by half-time.
The difference was in the impact these shots were having on the scoreboard. Ultima failed to kick a goal in the opening term, leading to a 10-point deficit at the first break.
Despite kicking three goals in the second quarter, the visitors trailed by 15 points at half-time in what was turning into a physical encounter.
Wandella upped the intensity in the third quarter, kicking three goals to two to increase the lead to 24 points with one term to play, before running the game out with a further four goals to one.
Bombers coach, Paul Grayling and 2017 recruit, Sam Sperling each kicked three goals, with Arnold Kirby (two) Ultima’s only multiple goalkicker.
Tim and Justin Robinson were best on ground for the hosts, with Brenton Pay and Luke Kelson standing out for the ‘Roos.
The win saw Wandella jump above Nullawil – which had the bye at the weekend – to sit second on the ladder with eight rounds remaining, with Ultima’s lead over the competition cut to one win.
Wandella travels to Wakool this weekend, with Ultima to host Macorna.
Saints hold on
QUAMBATOOK remains one win outside the top four following a 19-point win against Moulamein.
In what was a danger game for the Saints, Martin Angus (five goals) and Kyle Barry led the way for the hosts to help secure a fifth win of the season.
A dominant second quarter set up the win, with Quambatook kicking 7.6 to 1.2 to hold a 42-point lead at the main break.
An inaccurate third term – which saw the Saints boot 1.6 – could have ended the Swans’ hopes, but the visitors trailed by 34 points with one quarter to play.
Moulamein finished strongly, kicking six goals to three in the final quarter, but remain seventh on the ladder, four wins outside the top four.
Xavia Elford Tony Mudge and Pat Caldwell each kicked two goals for the Swans, who were well serviced by Ben Buxton and Bryce Scott.
Quambatook has the bye this weekend, with Moulamein to host Hay.
Blues forwards’ day out
NATHAN Henry and Justin McConnell put together a strong performance to help Murrabit defeat Macorna by 78 points.
The pair kicked eight goals each to help the defending premiers record a fifth win of the season and remain one win outside the top four.
Macorna put up a challenge to the visitors throughout the majority of the match, with a five-goal to nil final term helping Murrabit’s percentage.
The Tigers managed six goal up to the three-quarter time siren – three kicked by coach, Michael Rowe.
McConnell and Henry were best on ground for the victors, with Jessi Lampi and Joel Dwyer playing well for the Tigers.
Murrabit takes on Nullawil this weekend in a key match to the club’s finals chances, with the Tigers to travel to Ultima.
Inaccurate Lions prevail
HAY remains fourth on the ladder following a 96-point win at Wakool – which could have exceeded 100 points if the hosts had kicked straighter.
Led by six goals from Jackson Ferguson, the Lions amassed 43 scoring shots for the game – but only managed 17 goals.
The loss – the Hawks’ seventh in a row – was the first time this season the side has not gone down by 100 points or more.
Hay opened up a 22-point lead at quarter time, with increased to 61 points at the main break and 77 points with one term to play.
Nine of Hay’s 26 behinds for the match came in the final quarter, whilst Wakool’s four goals for the game came from individual goalscorers.
Ken Jubb and Ben Arandt were best on ground for the hosts, with Craig Looms and Beau Baxter-Jukes played well for the Hawks.
Hay will travel to Moulamein this weekend, with Wakool to host Wandella.
