White Hills produced a barnstorming final half to overcome a sluggish start and record a 36  point win against North Bendigo on Saturday. Needing to win to keep their journey towards cementing a finals spot on track the Demons found themselves trailing by 24 points at the main break with their backs to the wall.

White Hills Coach Matt Sawyer was relieved with the turnaround ” I’m happy to get out with a win in the 1st half we were unaccountable and undisciplined and not prepared to do the hard work so at half time we made some changes”.

” We switched Dave McConell and Peter Angove into the midfield which really gave us a lift and in the end we were happy to get the four points”.

It was truly a game of two halves as the Dogs attack on the ball was paying dividends with the Bulldogs key players Daniel Thorsen, Robbie Morris and Ashley Craig all having a big impact.

The Dogs had a golden opportunity at the start on the 3rd quarter to wipe the Demons out of the game although with Jimmy Angove, Matt Frecker and David Wright igniting a come back and star Brad McConnell on target up forward the complexion of the game quickly changed. To add to the Demons momentum the Bulldogs lost Robbie Morris and Cam Lomas both sent off the ground.

In the end a 6 goals to 1 last quarter sealed the Dogs fate as they showed they are still a step off competing with the leading sides of the competition for the duration of a game. For White Hills it was a fantastic fightback and they will need to take that same perseverance into their contest with league leaders Colbinabbin next Saturday.

A much more determined Huntly outfit were able to rally to kick 10 goals in their match with reigning Premiers Mt.Pleasant. The Hawks coming off a humiliating loss to Elmore in which the Bloods piled on a mammoth 41 goals received the plaudits of their coach Mark Billings for their plucky performance.

” We had a couple pull on the day which wasn’t ideal so we had to bring some players up and quite often it was a case of men against boys and to our guys credit they persevered and gave a consistent contest”. Billings also acknowledged his opposite number in Cam Carter who played a fantastic four quarter game through the midfield for the Navy Blues.

Others players to shine were Ben McLeary who has been one of the stars of the HDFL in season 2007 to date with 5 goals, and goal kicking pair Peter Kruger and Brad King who were dangerous in attack with 4 goals apiece in the 133 point win.

Exciting talent Chris Long played another fine game in the ruck while Dylan Gibson promoted from the Under 17’s gave the Hawks some dash across half forward and veteran Steven Clohesy battled manfully all day against the odds.

Adam Campbell was the Hawks most productive forward for the day cashing in with 3 goals.

Mounts meet Elmore in next weeks blockbuster while Huntly will be keen to topple arch rival North Bendigo in a bid to win their first game for the season.

Broadford were left lamenting another missed opportunity to close the door on fifth spot when they fell short of defeating top of the table Colbinabbin by 31 points. Roos Coach Chris Nolan had mixed thoughts about his sides performance ” For the 2nd time this year our boys threw everything they had at the league leaders but fell short” ” Colbo booted 5 majors and then we seemed to have the momentum for 10-15 mins but couldn’t convert- poor execution when delivering and finishing off”.

Damien Lock continued his fine season with a 38 possession haul continually bringing his teammates into the game while Jeremy Brown and Matt Pinniger played key roles in defence and were able to restrict the influence of dangerous Broadford forward John Taylor to 3 goals.

Nolan also noted a lift in intensity in the second half ” I felt the second half was remarkable to watch, tackling hard running, pressure the game seemed to have it all ” ” I think we got within 11 points but Colbo’s experienced heads just knew when a goal was important and were too good in the wash up”.

Best players for the Roos the hard running Adrian Wilson, consistent ruckman Grant Wearne and 2006 Roulston Medallist Matt Coomans who played his best game of senior football for the Roos to date.

The Roos loss adds to intrigue of the race to the finals although they still look well posted to make their first finals series since 2004.

Lockington Bawawn United added some long awaited joy to their season recording a nail biting 8 point victory over Heathcote to record their 3rd victory of the season.

With some experienced players back into the line up the Cats were able to keep their noses in front of the Saints for most the day with a number of fine contributors. Brad Smith with 5 goals and Charlie Smythe with 4 majors led an attack that was able to find space and create scoring shots with ease for the best part of the match. In front of their home crowd Adam Sims, Nathan O’Brien and Sam Newth guided the Cats through the pressure charged finish that has put the Saints finals hopes under intense pressure.

For the Saints it was century goal kicker Matt Waters who threatened to spoil the party for the Cats with a brilliant 7 goal haul while defenders Daniel Carroll and Luke Lomax rebounded from defence well for the Saints.

The Cats now face up to 5th placed Broadford while Heathcote have the bye before their season defining clash with the Roos in Round 16.

Categories: Reviews
Tags: