MACORNA may have put in a spirited performance, but 2017 Golden Rivers Football Netball League semi-finalists, Murrabit showed its versatility in front of goal during Saturday’s 61-point win.
In what proved to be not only the closest result of the round, but also the season, Justin McConnell and Nathan Henry – who managed 11 goals between them in the opening round – were held to one goal between them in the win at the Macorna Recreation Reserve.
Windy conditions made conditions difficult for both sides, with the Tigers keeping pace with the Blues during the opening half.
Macorna trailed by 14 points at quarter before using the breeze to reduce the margin to seven points at the main break.
However, the Blues took control of the game after the long break, keeping the Tigers goalless whilst booting the final seven goals of the match unanswered.
Tom Hetherington stood out for the visitors, kicking four of the Blues’ 11 goals, whilst Henry – who was kept goalless – played a key role up the ground.
The pair were names as the Blues’ best players, with McConnell and Nathan Wilson also contributing.
Jordan Simpson kicked two of Macorna’s three goals, with Wayne Wishart and Ethan Burdett playing well for the hosts.
Murrabit will travel to Moulamein this weekend, with the Tigers to face Quambatook.
‘Roos open with win
TWO of Ultima’s most experienced players led the way in the club’s 67-point win against Moulamein.
‘Roos coach, Jack O’Rourke (five goals) and multiple E.G. Hunt Medallist, Luke O’Toole stood out as the visitors claimed their first win since taking part in last season’s grand final.
The Swans challenged the ‘Roos during the opening term, but a five-goal to nil second quarter meant Ultima held a 44-point lead at the main break.
Moulamein reduced the deficit by one point at three-quarter time, but were kept goalless for the second time in the match as the ‘Roos recorded their first win of the season.
O’Rourke and O’Toole were best on ground for the victors, with Mitchell Seton-Stewart also playing well for the victors.
Josh Gadsden was the Swans’ only multiple goalkicker, with Blake Larkings and Ben Seton-Stewart standing out for the Swans.
Ultima will play Nullawil on Sunday in what shapes to be the first blockbuster of the season, with the Swans to host Murrabit.
Trio fire again
THE Heslop, Oberforder and Lobb show continued at the weekend, with the trio of Nullawil goalkickers helping the Maroons record a 140-point win against Quambatook.
The Saints were never in the game as Kal Heslop (six goals), Andrew Oberdorfer (five goals) and Phillip Lobb (three goals) combined to keep Nullawil’s unbeaten season going.
The trio moved their 2018 combined tally to 47 goals, which is more than the combined team totals of seven of the nine sides in the competition after two rounds.
The Maroons led by 32 points at quarter time and 54 points at the main break, before keeping the Saints goalless in the second half as the side kicked the final 13 goals of the game.
Dylan Wright chipped in with four goals for the victors, with Oberdorfer and Daniel Watts best on ground for the Maroons.
Lachlan Ryan, Martin Angus and Luke Jongebloed kicked the Saints’ three goals for the match, with Luke Parker and Jarred Schlitz playing well for the hosts.
Nullawil will play Ultima this Sunday, with the Saints to look for their first win of the season when the team hosts Macorna.
Bombers on target
DEFENDING premiers, Wandella fell one goal short of producing a second consecutive 30-goal performance, but it was still enough to record a 185-point win against Wakool.
Jay McDonald played one of his best games for the Bombers, booting eight goals, with Cody Schepers (seven goals) and Justin Robinson (five goals) also outscoring the Hawks.
Playing at home for the first time this season, the Hawks challenged the Bombers in the opening term before being kept scoreless in the second quarter.
Leading by 70 points at the main break, Wandella was more accurate in front of goal in the second half, kicking 19 goals from 28 scoring shots and restricting the hosts to one goal in the same period.
Matthew Close, Dillan Treacy and Cooper Condely were best on ground for the victors, with Joe Thompson and co-coach, Craig Loomes standing out for the Hawks.
Wandella has the bye this weekend before an April 28 grand final rematch against Ultima, whilst the Hawks have the challenge of facing Hay in four days’ time after the Lions had the bye at the weekend.
