north gippsland football
By lauren carey
Daniel Sandeman’s players have responded to his “no more excuses” comment with a strong opening term against Woodside.
The two sides went goal for goal as John Burge and Nicoll Sandison opened their accounts, while Josh Griffin put the Wildcats on the board.
Sandison found plenty of the ball early, with the forward placing immense pressure on the smaller Wildcats defence as he added a second within minutes.
It was quickly followed by Luke Hedger who had the Bombers’ fourth, with 10 goals scored in an impressive 20 minutes of football.
Boisdale’s Michael White got in on the goal scoring spree while at the other end, it was Ryan Foat who was having an impact in front of goal.
The visitors made the most of their opportunities moving the ball quickly through the midfield, led by best on ground Max Lane and coach Luke Anedda.
But it was Boisdale/Briagolong’s Nicoll Sandison who had the crowd on their feet, his first screamer over a pack of four players saw the key forward deliver the Bombers’ only goal for the term.
It was an energised Woodside that burst from the centre bounce to pick up where they left off at the main change, sealing the opener of the second half before Boisdale’s Justin Dingwall got the response to level the scores.
The Bombers late surge at goal in the closing minutes of the quarter saw them take a nine goal lead into the final quarter.
Stuart Turvey was consistently in the action with two for the quarter, but it was not enough for the Wildcats to open their season account going down 17.8 (110) to 13.9 (87).
For the Bombers Sandison was judged best a field, his aerial prowess, agility and accuracy in front of goal proved telling Mitchell Stewart and Matt Simmonds also impressed with Burge and White finishing with three a piece.
The Wildcats charge on the scoreboard was led by Foat who finished the match with four majors, rotating in the forward line, ruck and midfield. Lane provided plenty of run while Ben Johnson was a solid contributor.
Glengarry v Rosedale
Glengarry has confirmed its standing as a powerhouse after beating the previously undefeated Rosedale by five points.
Very little separated the two sides, with the Magpies holding a one-goal lead at the first change while Rosedale ended up taking a one-point lead into the main break.
Missing a number of key players including Robbie Cahill, Josh King and Aaron Winkler who was a casualty during the contest, it was a spirited effort by the Magpies in the final term.
Glengarry coach Ryan Potter led from the front in a stellar individual performance, while Dean Brooks and Chris Wangman provided plenty of pace and drive around the ground.
Shaun Barnes and Brooks booted three a piece.
Youngster Rohan Diamond impressed for the Blues, while defender Scott Johnstone and Jed Hickey worked tirelessly as they aimed to mark Dominic Keatings 100th senior match with victory.
Traralgon Tyers United v Gormandale
Traralgon Tyers United bounced back this week to record its biggest win in several seasons, demolishing Gormandale.
After a competitive opening term by the Tigers, the home side took over after quarter time cruising to a 30.13 (193) to 5.3 (33) victory.
A 10-goal second quarter buried the contest after the Bombers led by two kicks at the first change of ends.
The Tigers’ scoreless term left coach Paul Richards frustrated, as Brian Graham (10) and Dylan Loprese (five) lit up the forward line.
In the second half the Bombers inflicted further damage as they flexed their muscles to put on 16 goals to two in a stellar performance.
Sale City v Cowwarr
It was not the celebration Cowwarr had hoped to have for Brett Street’s 150th match, with the Saints simply out played by reigning premiers Sale City.
The Saints struggled to counteract the Dogs’ many avenues to goal.
For the second week running Nick Grainger stole the lime light in the forward line booting a bag of five, with Jake Schuback (five) and Jake Milham (three) in the reigning premier’s fourth straight win of the season, 20.16 (136) to 6.2 (38).
Churchill v Heyfield
Contests between Churchill and Heyfield never disappoint, with the Cougars’ early match lead serving them well for the remainder of the game.
In heavy conditions Churchill got the upper hand early, breaking away to an 11-point lead.
The two sides fought an even second term, going goal for goal.
However, it was Churchill’s experienced campaigners Brendan Mahoney and Dale Patteron who answered the challenge, Mahoney lifting his intensity as he led Chris Williams and Joey Whykes in the midfield.
The Cougars held on to seal their second win of the season, 13.4 (82) to 11.9 (75).
