FOOTBALL
MID GIPPSLAND
By ROB POPPLESTONE
HEADING into Round 14 of the Mid Gippsland home-and-away season, it seemed fair and reasonable to assume the top four positions were locked away, with Foster, Fish Creek, Yinnar and Meeniyan Dumbalk United all looking to have done enough to secure a finals position – well at least it appeared that way.
Where it really gets interesting however is with the six teams still fighting for the two available spots that will be available, it seems right up until the final round, in just a month’s time.
Newborough 12.5 (77) def MDU 9.8 (62)
THE Bulldogs were 10th, but just one game from fifth, heading into their clash against MDU and knowing that anything short of a win would likely end their hopes of finals given the strength of opposition that still awaits them (Fish Creek and Yinnar).
The final margin, a 15-point win for Newborough, 12.5 (77) to 9.8 (62). An on-the-road victory against the odds keeps the dream alive, and destroys the notion that MDU has fourth position in their safekeeping.
Bulldogs coach, Pat Frendo praised his troops.
“Really good win against a top four team in MDU,” he said.
“Having played them in Round 1 we had a bit of an understanding of their game plan and worked hard during the week to negate their foot skills and run and carry game.
“There was essentially a kick in it the entire game until we slotted the first couple of the last to give us a 20 point barrier.
“Extremely proud of the boys now they’ve managed to string together a couple of close wins in a row.
“Well earned bye next (this) week which gives the boys a chance to get some rest before we face last year’s grand finalists in back-to-back weeks.”
Conversely, Demons coach, Rhett Kelly is searching for answers after dropping the last two games.
“The weekend’s performance has got us asking questions about where we stand as a team,” he said.
“There are still plenty of positives. We need to look at tidying up a few areas of our game, which will put us back on track. Credit to Newborough, who came to play and has now beaten us twice this year.”
Thorpdale 12.8 (80) def Morwell East 6.4 (40)
THE Blues just needed to get the premiership points, and did so at home.
Thorpdale was too good for Morwell East, winning 12.8 (80) to 6.4 (40).
Blues coach, Daniel Taylor was happy with the response.
“After a disappointing loss last week against Mirboo North it was great to get a response from the boys this week in what was probably one of the few times we’ve put together four quarters of footy,” he said.
“Our pressure was good, we were more disciplined and we used the ball a lot better which was pleasing. It was also great to get a win in front of our 1985 seniors and reserve premiership sides in what was a big day for the club.”
The Blues can be sometimes hard to gauge as far as performances go, but are still fifth on the ladder only a game off MDU.
Morwell East coach, Paul Henry kept the result in perspective.
“Not a very good game to watch. The rain held off but was cold and windy,” he said.
“I thought we had control right from the start but again our fundamental skill errors just kept on providing an opportunity for scoring from turnovers. We kicked the first two of the last to get within 14 points but then it was all Thorpy after that.”
Boolarra 5.9 (39) def Stony Creek 3.5 (23)
TWO sides who have been on the wrong end of close finishes more than they would like to admit, met with the knowledge that this clash would be their best chance of victory in many weeks.
The Demons, desperate to keep their season and finals hopes alive, did just that, beating Stony Creek 5.9 (39) to 3.5 (23) at the racecourse.
After a week of significant reflection on a horror loss last week (against Toora) the focus was on a fast start for Boolarra.
“We were welcomed by conditions that would’ve seen kite flyers being plucked from Bass Strait. So with a fast start in mind, Aiden Sheers jagged the opener inside a minute to set the scene,” Demons assistant, Scott Berechree said.
“But Stony Creeks vice skipper Cody Loughridge stepped up with a huge tackle and goal to wrest momentum back for the home side.
“So after a focus on a strong start, confidence was high at the quarter time siren which gave us a two-goal lead.”
Throwing Bailey Flanagan into the ruck, it was hoped Boolarra could dominate to the scoring end in the second term, but it was Stony Creeks who managed a pair of goals to peg the margin back to 10 points at the main change.
After a goalless third quarter that Berechree said “those in attendance will do well to forget”, Stony Creek got back to an even goal difference on the scoreboard at the last change.
With four players injured it was Boolarra club president, James Holmes who stood up and played out the last quarter on one leg to give the Demons the full compliment.
In an arm wrestle of a last quarter that saw more stoppages than kicks that hit targets, it took 11 minutes for the first, and only goal to be kicked. It was Boolarra’s Lachie Smith who kicked truly after a sizzler of a pass from his skipper Joel Mason.
Fish Creek 9.7 (61) def Yinnar 5.6 (36)
LAST year’s grand finalists had met in Round 1, and saw the Magpies get one up on the reigning premier.
Fish Creek however made it one a piece in the home-and-away season an the weekend, winning 9.7 (61) to 5.6 (36) at Yinnar Rec.
Kangaroos coach, Jarrod Walker was understandably pleased.
“Really happy with the team. We spoke pregame about wanting to have four quarters of effort and pressure and I feel we gave that,” he said.
“Solid contributors all over the ground with everyone prepared to get their hands dirty. As always Yinnar spread the ground really well when they had the ball and made us defend really hard. A great atmosphere as well with a big turnout in the crowd from both teams.”
Yinnar coach, Sam McCulloch shared the opposite view.
“Disappointing loss and to miss out on the opportunity to get the double chance,” he said.
“Fish Creek got on top through the middle and were a lot cleaner with ball use. Certainly couldn’t fault our effort, but turnovers and decision making cost us dearly. A couple of missed opportunities to gain some momentum at important stages didn’t help.”
Toora 10.10 (70) def Tarwin 9.9 (63)
THE result was always going to offer contrasting fortunes to these two clubs, and that it did.
Toora won a thriller, 10.10 (70) to 9.9 (63) at Tarwin Lower.
The Sharks are now effectively playing for their season when they host Thorpdale this week.
HILL END, Foster and Mirboo North all had the bye.
