ABC SE Wrap of April 25, 26 2008

Imperials made a good start in the WB Grand Final at Casterton with Brad Cooper picking valuable touches around the packs. They seemed to have more system as Portland looked a bit sluggish. Joseph Higgins was an unlikely goal scorer for Imps and he got both of their first quarter goals as he weaved through heavy traffic close to the square. Slowly Portland began to get their game in order after Brown missed a sitter, defences were hard to penetrate but Clint Lancaster’s goal gave the Tigers a lift and James Imbi’s brilliant tackle was rewarded with another to put Portland up by a point at quarter-time.

A quick goal to Tyrone Scullion put Imps back in front but only temporarily as Portland missed some opportunities before Nathan Bennett’s casual snap regained the lead. Imps big guns, the Ewing brothers had hardly been sighted as Portland defenders Quinlivan and Hockley continually punched the ball away or cut off any kicks that came their way. Winis Imbi skillfully found Heath Brown for a goal and Eric Stewart did likewise as Portland stretched the lead to 14 points. Grant Ewing marked cleverly to get his first goal for Imps but Portland were quick to reply through Nathan Bennett. Imperials were struggling to keep in touch as Brown got his third for the quarter and the Tigers took a 14 point lead at half-time.

James Imbi got Portland quickly under notice when he found brother Winis for an early goal and the margin was now 20 points. Eric Stewart, an excellent player all day in defence managed to get forward and goal and the Tigers were now almost in complete control. Imperials struggled to get inside the 50 metre arc as their older brigade lacked penetration with their kicks but ruckman Jason McIntosh managed to pull one back to reduce the margin to 21. Portland quickly found another gear and first, Dyke on the run and Heath Brown for his fourth goal after good play by Freddie Saunders just about sealed any Imperials hope. Lancaster was dominating in the ruck and playing strongly around the ground and to provide a mountain of chances for the Imbi brothers and Josh Chapman. WB medalist Marcus England had been tagged with limited success by Jason Linke for Imps but it also restricted his output as he was forced deep into Portlands’ backline for kicks. At three quarter time Portland had the game wrapped up with a 35 point lead.

Imps had plenty to play for but just couldn’t break down the strong Portland defence. Grant Ewing got his third goal for Imps but Bennett raced in for Portland’s instant reply as play went up and down the outer wing in a holding pattern. Portland missed several shots but were not in danger. Brad Cooper, Imperials’ last premiership coach managed a late goal on tired legs but it was Portland who coasted to victory by 21 points. It was a very good effort to win their third in a row after losing several stars from previous years. The win had more of a local flavour with Jaron Quinlivan, the captain, named as best along with Clint Lancaster, Vaughan Hockley, Eric Stewart, Marcus England and Josh Chapman. Imperials struggled for good players, particularly after half-time but Jason Linke, Joe Higgins and Stuart Ward kept battling away as did Jason McIntosh and Drew McAskill but Imperials were clearly outplayed by a talented and younger Portland team.

KEITH CROWING FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW -- Sept 13 wrap

Keith have won the KNTFL Grand Final for the second year in a row after having spent the previous 25 years in the wilderness. Opposed to Naracoorte who had lost only once for the year, Keith used their physical strength to advantage and forced errors in the Demon’s game. Kicking with the aid of a strong breeze Naracoorte wasted many opportunities by attacking the wrong side of the ground and with not much direction. Keith managed 3 goals against the wind including one after a free kick was reversed and they only trailed by 6 points at quarter-time. They got right on top in the second quarter through Paul Makin who was marking everything that came his way and forwards , Tom Redden and Jason Snajdar were providing strong targets near goal. Naracoorte scarcely had a winner in any position and became rattled in the third quarter, giving away silly frees and 50 m penalties. Keith’s better disposal in the third also frustrated any attempt by Naracoorte to get back in the game and they trailed by 31 points at the last change. Keith continued to dominate with Makin, Luke Skoblyk on the ball, Jason Smith at half-back and Damien Smart across the centre doing all the damage. Tom Redden finished with 5 goals and Jason Snajdar 4 and Keith were never in danger. It was a disappointing end for Naracoorte who had been on top all year. They managed a couple of token goals but went under by 51 points. Their better players were unable to exert any influence on the game although Matt Gill, Nathan Smith and James Dixon who managed 3 goals tried hard

In the MSE Grand Final at Mt Burr, Hatherleigh made a great start to the game with an 8 goal to one first quarter. Coach Simon Beggs was allowed to run unchecked by Glencoe and he bobbed up everywhere with accurate disposals and provided many chances for Dave Green at full forward who finished off with 4 goals at quarter-time. Glencoe were left playing catch-up footy from there on and when key big-man Simon Jones was sent off with a yellow card their chances nose-dived. Although Glencoe kicked 6 goals with the wind Hatherleigh grabbed 5 into it. Glencoe were unable to restrict Hatherleigh in third with on-ballers Matt Faulkner and Justin Rehn winning plenty of kicks around the ground. Glencoe’s matchwinners of the previous week were well held and the Murphies trailed by 41 points at three quarter-time. Up forward Green was too strong and finished with 8 goals which included his 100th of the season, Simon Beggs also bagged 4 goals and couldn’t be contained, Matt Faulkner, Justin Rehn and Anthony Driessen were also excellent for the winners. Glencoe managed to close the gap in the last quarter but the horse had bolted and Hatherleigh were premiers by 17 points. Better players for Glencoe were Luke Mulraney, Mark Keiselbach in the ruck, Adam Sealey and Jamie Edwards.

The Western Border Preliminary Final shaped as a close encounter but Imperials had the game under control by half-time. Kicking with aid of the wind Imps rattled on 6 goals in the first quarter and looked switched on. Grant Ewing was very damaging around the midfield and when he went forward and East could not counter him. Winning at the stoppages gave Imps first use of the ball and had East under pressure constantly. In the second quarter Imps cleverly manipulated play and kept East goal-less whilst kicking 2 of their own to lead by 36 points at the main break. Whenever East did go forward it was haphazard and gave the forwards little chance as Glen Darroch broke up many forward moves. Imps went further ahead in the third with 4 goals as many more players came into the game and East were in damage control and in danger of being thrashed. At three quarter-time East trailed by 53 points and although coming home with the wind they looked a spent force. Imps better use of the ball was the big difference with Grant Ewing seemingly un-stoppable. Imps had very good players everywhere and Glen Darroch, Darren Kelly and Matt Dunn in defence completely smothered their opponents. Veterans Brad Cooper and Brad Thomas also contributed strongly as Imps cruised in by 28 points and now play Portland in next weeks’ Grand Final. East were very disappointing, they hardly had a winner and with poor field-kicking they were always struggling. Better players were Martin Coote, Dylan Dempsey, Chris Povey and Nick Anderson. Next week’s Grand Final is at Casterton where Portland will be attempting to win a third flag in a row.

PORTLAND TOO STRONG FOR IMPERIALS - Sept 6 wrap

Imperials and Portland fought out a tight first quarter with Imps kicking against the breeze but they looked impressive, moving the play quickly to keep Portland under pressure. Grant Ewing was dangerous at full forward but was unable to convert what would normally be goals and Imps suffered for it . Portland had trouble with Imps defence and only led by a point at quarter-time. Imps appeared to be getting better in the second quarter but still couldn’t kick straight. They kept Portland off balance through the work of Waldron and McIntosh but struggled for goals if the Ewing brothers didn’t get them. At the long break they were only 6 points clear but hadn’t put Portland away. Play see-sawed in the third quarter but gradually Portland got on top through Lancaster, England and Quinlivan who was stopping everything at half-back. Imps struggled to get the ball inside 50 and Portland were right on top around the packs and finished the quarter strongly to lead by 20 points. Imperials good players earlier were hardly sighted as Portland took complete control. Jaron Quinlivan played a great captain’s game in defence and Clint Lancaster was dominant around the marking duels and in the ruck. Marcus England got better as the game went on and Chapman was very good in the clearances along with James Imbi. Imperials good players early in the game, Grant Ewing, Higgins and Hamish Waldron faded after half-time but that was more due to Portland lifting their work-rate. Portland advance to their third Western Border Grand Final in 3 years with a convincing 51 point win.

An injury depleted Hamilton faced an under strength East Gambier at Malseed Park in the First Semi Final. Kicking against the breeze they kept East reasonably well checked in the first quarter but were unable to score themselves. East began to get on top in the second quarter with their small men, Ciaran Buckley, Ross Carpenter and Jason Dunn winning handsomely around the midfield and half-forward. Hamilton still had players behind the ball but only Brendan Huf up forward looking likely to kick a goal but he was outnumbered time and again. East had the game under control at half-time when they led by31 points. They went right away in the third quarter with 6 straight goals, Sam McCracken, Kelvin Cook and Carpenter were too strong overhead as Hamilton could manage only 2 goals for the quarter. Hamilton were playing a kick and hope type of game and it was constantly broken up by the tight, hard running East defence. The last quarter was a mere formality as Hamilton struggled to make any progress and East did as they liked, adding another 5 goals to run out easy winners by 74 points. Martin Coote, Buckley, Ross Carpenter and Chris Povey seemingly had the ball on a string to be East’s best. For the losing team it was elimination in straight sets. Joe Sherlock, Ben Williams and Dion Rhook tried hard all day but were over-run well before the finish. East Gambier meet Imperials in next weeks Preliminary Final at South Gambier.

Naracoorte regained some form in the KNTFL Preliminary Final against Lucindale but not without a struggle. Lucindale started well and had Naracoorte under pressure with strong tackling and good ball movement. Kundt for Lucindale was proving a very good replacement for the injured Mark Snowball and sparked his team to a 17 point lead. Naracoorte fought back in the second quarter but mainly on the back of Scott Fiora’s 5 goal’s. Lucindale again surged ahead in the third quarter with Nigel Fiegert and Phil Smith kicking goal after goal. Lucindale had played smart, aggressive football with Travis Ware and Jason Coles contributing strongly to give them a 21 point lead at three quarter time and Naracoorte’s season was looking doubtful. However they rallied strongly with Rob Jones, Mitch Hartree and Nathan Smith in everything and Jamie Dixon getting on top in the ruck. Lucindale were running on empty as Naracoorte piled on the goals, finishing all over them with 7 goals to three to win through to the Grand Final by 5 points. Scott Fiora finished with 6 goals for Naracoorte, Rob Jones, Jamie Dixon and Nathan Smith all lifted at the finish. Kuhndt, S Graetz and Nigel Fiegert played well for a gallant Lucindale who, without Mail Medalist Mark Snowball just failed to pull of a big upset. Next week Naracoorte get another crack at Keith in the Grand Final at Bordertown.

Nangwarry made a great start against Glencoe in the MSE Preliminary Final with 8 straight goals in the first quarter but Glencoe also managed five to trail by 13 points at quarter-time. Phil Lambert was dangerous up forward for Nangwarry but the Glencoe defence tightened after that and Mark Kieselbach got on top in ruck to give his small men plenty of the ball. Grant Wurst and Ali Scott were causing problems on the forward line as Glencoe went further ahead in the third quarter to all but have the game sown up by three quarter-time when they led by 34 points. The margin proved too great for Nangwarry and although they outscored Glencoe in the last quarter the Murphies won by 27 points. Mark Keiselbach starred for Glencoe, Grant Wurst booted 7 goals and Ali Scott 5. Simon Jones was another strong player for Glencoe. Nangwarry were best served by Justin Manninen and Matt Tilby, coach Phil Lambert contributed 5 goals but it is Glencoe who play Hatherleigh in next week’s Grand Final at Mt Burr.

KEITH CROWING AS NARACOORTE ARE CRUSHED -- August 30 wrap

The KNTFL second semi produced the seasons biggest upset as Keith seemed to have Naracoorte’s measure after trailing by a point at quarter time. The Crow’s physical strength was a great asset in slippery conditions and it exposed Naracoorte. Naracoorte looked to have a few fitness problems and Keith exploited this by having numbers around the ball. In a low-scoring contest the Crows took a 13 point lead at the long break. Midfielders, Reece Francis, Hamish Tamlyn and Mark Keighley were continually winning possessions or restricting their opponents and the Naracoorte forwards were starved of opportunities. Keith extended the lead to17 points at three quarter time and even though Naracoorte were close enough the body language of the players suggested that they were spent and so it proved. The dominant Crow’s kept Naracoorte scoreless in the last quarter whilst they put through another four goals to win easily and march into their third consecutive grand final. Paul Makin at half forward was excellent for Keith and was a safe avenue in attack whilst Reece Francis, Tamlyn and Wil Stone dominated around the midfield, Joe Hunt at half-back repelled almost everything and was a constant stumbling block. It was a different story for the previously undefeated Naracoorte who scarcely had a solid four quarter player but Paul McCarthy, Mitch Hartree and Kane Donnelly tried hard all day but were out-numbered at the stoppages. Keith advance after a 44 point win and Naracoorte have a week to recover their earlier good form

In the first semi Kybybolite had much better of the first quarter and led by 3 goals. Mail medalist Mark Snowball was proving a big stumbling as Lucindale got back into the game in the second quarter and they hit the lead by 2 points just on half-time. Kyby had missed several opportunities and Phil Smith and Nigel Fiegert were testing their less physical opponents. Tom Cooper was excellent in the centre and at the stoppages for Kyby but the lack of power forwards proved costly. Snowball continued to dominate the ruck duels and marked strongly across half-back to push his team forward. Travis Ware at half-forward and Rob Miller on the wing provided plenty of drive with smart, aggressive play that had Lucindale 25 points up at three quarter time. They finished strongly with another 5 goals as Kybybolites’ better players faded and finally won by 31 points. Mark Snowball stood out as best on ground for Lucindale along with Ware, Miller and Jason Coles. For Kybybolite Tom Cooper and George Kidman were excellent, Ryan Woite and Lee Curnow had plenty of touches but were always under pressure. Lucindale now play Naracoorte in next week’s Preliminary Final.

Hatherleigh overcame a determined Nangwarry in the MSE Second-semi after trailing at each break. The Saints appeared to have an advantage after keeping key goal-kickers Beggs and Green relatively quiet. The defences of both teams were working overtime but it was Nangwarry who took an 8 point lead into the last quarter. Hatherleigh finally managed to produce in the final quarter and as Nangwarry faded they added 4 goals to 1 to run out victors by 13 points but it shows that the finals race is still wide open. Jason Faulkner, Justin Rehn and James Riemann lifted their work-rate to carry Hatherleigh to the grand final. Rehn and Dave Green managed three goals each. For Nangwarry, Matt Tilby, Jason Manninen and Nathan King played well but just couldn’t get enough of the ball at the finish. Nangwarry now play Glencoe in next week’s preliminary final to earn another shot at Hatherleigh.

The Western Border qualifying final produced a cliffhanger of a result and Imperials tipped out the arch-rivals Hamilton for the third time this year. Both teams had been disappointing recently but that was irrelevant. The football was very tight early as the rain started to fall. Imperials were more efficient in attack and held a ten point lead at quarter time. Hamilton more players behind the ball and that restricted Imps but it also reduced their own ability to score with small forward line that had quite a few chances but were plagued by inaccuracy. The game opened up in the third quarter and first it was Imps who got the break as they extended their lead to 16 points before Hamilton fought back to reach the front by 6 points at three quarter-time. Hamilton appeared to be going better at this stage, having much more of the play but unable to make it count on the scoreboard. They held an 11point lead past the halfway mark of the last quarter but Imps closed the gap to five before another goal put them in front. Hamilton’s dodgy kicking continued to haunt them and they missed several times and Imps held on to win by 4 points. Ten goalkickers shared the goals for Imps and Glen Darroch, Joe Higgins, Luke Purcell and Matt Dunn were good players throughout in the wet conditions. Brendan Huf with 5 goals was the best forward for Hamilton and Damien Ferguson, Simon Hatherell and Ben Williams played well for Hamilton but it was a very disappointed Hamilton team that trudged off knowing that they had squandered another chance to beat Imperials.

Sunday’s elimination final was a hard fought affair with neither side prepared to concede an inch. South Gambier kicked with the breeze but East Gambier played Kelvin Cooke as a loose man and he was very effective in restricting South’s forward moves. At quarter time South had only managed 3 goals but East got 3 valuable ones against the wind. Cooke started in attack for East in the second and was quickly noticed with a goal as was Ross Carpenter who gave East momentum with an opportunist snap goal. East appeared to be going better and got to a 3 goal lead before South pegged them back with 2 late goals after 50 metre penalties. South began the second half positively but the defences of both teams were on top in the wet conditions. South reached the lead late in the quarter when Ben McGregor kicked truly to have the Demons 4 points ahead. The last quarter was desperate stuff as South kept control of the play for long periods but couldn’t put East away. A costly mistake due to inexperience allowed Rob Povey to goal and put East a point in front. From there on they had their tails up and quick goals to Carpenter and Jason Dawe put the result beyond South’s reach and East ran out winners by 20 points. Ross Carpenter and Kelvin Cooke got 3 valuable goals each for East but it was the great job done by Brett Hosking in curbing the brilliant South coach Jon Copping that gave East victory. Chris Anderson and Jason Dunn also revelled in the wet to be good players for East. Heath Sims, Simon Berkefeld gave everything for South and lion hearted ruckman Mick Ryan excelled at the stoppages but it was victory for East Gambier and South are now out of the race.

KEITH STRIKE FIRST BLOW IN KNTFL FINALS -- August 23 wrap

Despite fine conditions the ground was a little slippery in places. Keith had a greater part of the play but it didn’t show on the scoreboard, their running players were prominent but with their major goal kickers, Modra and Snajdar not playing, they struggled to break the game open. Kybybolite were getting the ball often enough but continued to turn it over. Keith led by 22 points at the main break and kicked away with 5 unanswered goals in the third quarter even though Kybybolite also had chances but just didn’t convert and they trailed by 53 points. Keith had good players in Mark Keighley, Jason Smith and Ryan Wood, Tom Mayfield provided 4 goals in the low scoring game. Kybybolite kicked 5 goals in the last quarter but they only gave respectability as Keith cruised in by 31 points. Tim Pannell, Tom Cooper and Ray Jaensch tried hard for Kyby but they will have to regroup quickly to keep their finals campaign alive. In the Elimination final Mundulla were not intimidated by the Lucindale big guns and often had the lead in a see-sawing game. Fiegert and McDowell proved hard to stop near goals and finished with 6 and 5 respectively but the Moots got a super game from Heath Thorpe who slotted through 7 to give his team a real chance heading into the last quarter when they led by 15 points. Lucindale mustered enough run through Rob Handbury, Aaron Smart and tireless ruckman Mark Snowball to kick 5 last quarter goals and tipped the gallant Mundulla out by 7 points in a thriller. Nigel Fiegert, Rob Handbury and Nathan McDowell were strong all day for Lucindale and for Mundulla , Heath Thorpe and Nick Davis played brilliantly only to see their team just falter at the finish.

Glencoe displayed their best form in weeks when they ran over Mt Burr in the first quarter of the 1st semi final. Simon Jones was one player that the Mossies couldn’t counter and he used his strength and marking ability to great effect. Glencoe held a 28 point lead at half-time and Mt Burr couldn’t bridge the gap in the third quarter. Mt Burr kicked 5 goals in the last quarter but again couldn’t stop Glencoe from doing the same and the margin was 25 points in favour of the Murphies in the end. Glencoe had solid performances up forward from Tory Weaver who finished with 5 goals and Alistair Scott who got 4 but it was Simon Jones and Luke Odgers who stood out. Mt Burr were disappointing but they just lacked the big man strength of Glencoe. Dale Bowering and the Agnew brothers, Brad and Jon, worked tirelessly but were unable to overcome Glencoe’s terrific start.

Western Border footy had some crucial games to finish the minor round but in the end they fizzled more than sizzled and the top5 didn’t change. Portland were in no mood to be worried by lowly Casterton and had charged to an 8 goal lead by half-time. Casterton played with more purpose after the break but with Marcus England in top form and Heath Brown kicking goals, 7 in fact, Portland increased the margin to 61 points at three quarter time. They eased down in the last but still won easily by 57 points. James Imbi, Daniel Sturzaker and Jaron Quinlivan also played well but it was Marcus England who dominated the game. The usual suspects stood up for Casterton, Dylan Ryan, Brent Howard, Scott Fleming and Grant Coxon. South Gambier with precision football crushed a valiant Heywood. They were too tall, too quick and too strong all over the ground, their team work was excellent and their forwards relished the superb delivery by kicking a swag of goals. Joe Noonan with 9 and Thomas Renzi with 6 goals tortured their opponents after the chances were provided by Heath Sims, Ash Bryant and Ben McGregor. Josh Marnell was Heywood’s best along with Tom Gordon Jeremy Gould and Nick Johnstone. Millicent gave the out of form Hamilton a real fight for three quarters and only trailed by 11 points heading into the last quarter. Hamilton responded sharply and doubled their score with 8 goals to 1 and ran out winners by 58 points. Dan McArthur, Damien Ferguson and Ben Williams were good for Hamilton and coach Mark Watts and Brendan Huf got 5 goals a piece. Cam Haggett was again best for the Saints along with the consistent Jeremy Hales but they lacked support. East Gambier had plenty to play for with their place in the top 5 in danger should they lose. They quickly took control and had a 5 goal lead by half-time with strong work from Kelvin Cook at full forward and clever crumbers in Tim Ellis and coach Jason Dawe. Imperials on the other hand had to rely on the Ewing brothers to kick a winning score but they struggled for opportunities although they did kick all of their team’s goals, Grant got 6 and Shane 2. Ben O’dine in defence and Martin Coote around ground played well for East and Jason Dunn was strong around the stoppages. Imperials scarcely had a good player but Matt Dunn and Brad Cooper tried hard to lift the team. North Gambier needed other results to fall their way to sneak into the 5 but in the end they probably didn’t deserve to make it. West Gambier kept in touch early but North despite a lack of passion in their play had stretched the lead to 6 goals by half-time. North were challenged again early in the third quarter but they responded everytime West goaled. David Nulty and Brian Durbidge continued to play as if they were in the finals but not so many of the others. To their credit, West continued to push forward and but for sloppy kicking should have finished much closer. Adam Merrett starred for West and Stephen Cook kicked 3 goals in what could be his last game. Jarrod Ryan also kicked 4 goal for West but sprayed many more that could have given him double that number. Next week arch rivals Imperials and Hamilton , who are both struggling for form are opposed in the qualifying final at Hamilton and South Gambier and East Gambier are in the elimination final at Vansittart Park, Mt Gambier.

NORTH WIN GIVES FINALS SERIES A BOOST -- August 16 wrap

North Gambier injected some life into the race for a WB Finals berth by defeating Hamilton by 11 points. The SA Tigers handled the slippery conditions better and made a good start to lead comfortably early and then held of most of the Magpie challenges to win after kicking the last 2 goals of the game. They had led all day before Hamilton hit the front in the last quarter. Once again it was ruckman David Nulty who shouldered the load ably assisted by Brian Durbidge, Adam Kurzman and skipper Scott Flett. It was Hamilton’s fourth loss in 5 games and they look extremely wobbly now. Their best were Lachie Crawford, Grant Waldron and Joe Sherlock. The SA Tigers are still outside the top 5 but the last round has some tricky games for those inside the five. South Gambier cemented their spot with a 7 goal win over Casterton but not without some concern. They led by 34 points at quarter-time but could only extend it by another 7 at the finish. Joe Noonan was a major factor in the win with 7 goals in a best on ground display, valuable support came from Ben McGregor and Pat Noonan. The Cats had many triers, including Dylan Ryan, Scot Flemming and Grant Coxon but the slow start had them playing catch-up all day. Portland looked to have stolen a match-winning break when leading by more than 6 goals at half-time over West Gambier. However, West wouldn’t lie down and fought back strongly to trail by only 10 points at the last change. Portland’s greater spread of talent then took over and they ran out winners by 35 points after some anxious moments. Star mid-fielder Marcus England stood out with consistent Josh Chapman, Jason Saunders and Nathan Bennett, 4 goals also playing well. All Australian Adam Merrett played brilliantly to bring West into the game and Matt Neilson was strong on the ball against quality opponents but in the end Portland just had too much class. East Gambier were also seriously challenged by Millicent in the third quarter but with much more to play for they kicked 6 goals to one in the last quarter and ran out winners by 41 points. Youngster Dylan Dempsey starred for East and on-ballers Buckley and Dunn stole many of the hit-outs from Millicent. Scott McCracken with 5 and Matt Ellis 4 goals up forward couldn’t be contained by the Saint backmen. Cam Haggett was again Millicent’s best in the ruck but lack of quality midfielders reduced his dominance, Jeremy Hales and John Facey battled it out to the end. Grant Ewing’s 12 goals was the big difference between Imperials and Heywood. He punished Heywood every time he had the ball and it wasn’t as though the full back didn’t apply any pressure. Darren Kelly and Matt Dunn provided many chances for Ewing but it wasn’t an impressive performance by Imperials. Heywood fresh after deciding to stay in Western Border football took it up to their highly rated opponents and Nick Johnstone showed out with a tireless running game as he kept getting the ball all over the ground, Ben and John Dunn were also hard workers but the lack of a key forward saw their efforts wasted. With a round to go East now face Imperials in a game to decide their finals fate, likewise North are at home to West Gambier but Hamilton have a long journey to Millicent as they attempt to salvage their season.

The last round of MSE football provide no surprises with Hatherleigh leading throughout over Glencoe to win by 28 points. They had 12 individual goal-kickers and Matt Faulkner, Simon Beggs and Brad Bateman were the better players in a solid team effort. Jamie Edwards, Mark Keiselbach and Simon Jones played well for the Murphies but they need to improve a lot to get past the first semi next Sunday. Kongorong ended the year on a winning note, easily accounting for bottom side Kalangadoo by 83 points. At least the Hawks are consistent, they have finished sixth for the fifth year in a row. Robe almost got a last gasp win but Tantanoola held on despite shocking kicking. Tim Stringer did his medal chances no harm with a best on ground display for Tantanoola. Nangwarry tuned up nicely for final’s action when they ended Port MacDonnell’s miserable year with a 58 point win. Matt Tilby had his best game for a while and finished with 6 goals. Next Sunday in the first semi final Mt Burr play Glencoe.

Similar results were seen in the KNTFL although Lucindale seriously challenged top side Naracoorte and led by 9 points at the main break. Naracoorte got to work after that and with a 9 goal third quarter that put down the challenge and kept their unbeaten run intact, they got home by 33 points. Luke Munro was named best for Naracoorte along with Craig Dicker and Nathan Smith but it was again more goal-kicking power in Sam Logan and Jamie Dixon doing the damage. Nigel Fiegert with 8 goals reached the ton for Lucindale and Sam Graetz played well. Mark Snowball was tireless in ruck for Lucindale and should be a strong medal chance. Kybybolite resisted a tenacious Mundulla by 15 points and secured a double chance in the finals next week. Shaun Price and Tom Cooper were best for Kybybolte and Aaron Hillier and Heath Thorpe for Mundulla. Keith crushed Kaniva-Leeor by 175 points but at least K-L have enjoyed some success late in the season. Border Districts also had a fleeting moment of glory when they conceded a big lead to Penola but finished strongly to win by 28 points. Bordertown also finished the year with a win to keep Padthaway winless. Mick Crilly kicked 9 goals for the Roosters and Ttim Harkness 5 to be among the best players. Daniel Link and Gilmore tried hard for the Lions in what can seen as another drought year. Next weekend Keith play Kybybolite in the qualifying final and Lucindale meet Mundulla in the elimination final.

SOUTH GAMBIER, WET WEATHER SPECIALISTS - August 9, 2008

South Gambier once again proved to be masters of the wet conditions when they defeated second placed Imperials by 6 goals. The Demons worked hard to have a 23 point lead by quarter time but then scored three goals when the rains came to have a match-winning break of 29 points at half-time. Imperials only reduced the margin by 3 points in the third quarter and South held them comfortably in the last when scoring became very difficult. Joe Noonan proved a vital avenue to goal and finished with 4 but it was Pat Noonan, Ash Bryant and Dallas Jeffree on the ball and in the midfield who did the damage. The Ewing brothers were hardly sighted for Imperials and it was left to Darren Kelly, Joe Higgins and Glen Darroch to lift the team but the performance was way below expectations and South now look safe for finals action with only two rounds to go. East Gambier shook off West Gambier in the second quarter but poor kicking kept the home side in the game. They added a further 5 goals in the third and held West goal-less before running out easy winners by 70 points. East handled the heavy conditions much better and attacked the ball confidently with Tim Ellis, Ciaran Buckley and Carl Slape leading the way. West had a chance to cause an upset but only Luke Davey, brilliant in the wet, Tom Dolan and Adam Merrett provide any real challenge. Portland’s overall talent proved too much for Hamilton after 3 close quarters when they drew away to win by 19 points. Heath Brown and James Imbi got 3 goals each and Clint Lancaster was the dominant big man on the ground. Portland skipper Jaron Quinlivan and Marcus England also played well in the wet , slippery conditions. Hey wood came very near to their first win but fell just 3 points short in a low-scoring game against Casterton. Dylan Ryan with 3 goals was the only multiple scorer in the game and was high in Casterton’s best along with rugged Grant Coxon and Chris Perry. For the Lions it was so near but so far with Lester Hall, Nick Johnstone and Ben Nash leading the way but the Cats got in by 3points. North Gambier and Millicent had a close game until half-time but from there on it was all North. They kicked 9 gaols to 2 to runaway after the long break. In conditions suitable for indoors Adam Kurzman, Brian Durbidge and Adam Creek stood out and made captain Scott Flett’s 200th game a memorable one. Pat Contin, John Facey and Michael Bennett tried hard for the lack-lustre Millicent.

Most games went as expected in the KNTFL but one. Kaniva-Leeor had their second win of the year when they thrashed a spiritless Border Districts by 87 points to provide the darkest day in years for the Eagles. Skipper Chris Tuckwell booted 5 goals for Kaniva-Leeor and the McCabe brothers, Brad and Tom stood out. The less said about Borders the better. Kybybolite also had an easy 76 point win over Penola. They were never threatened with Tom Cooper, George Kidman and Lee Curnow leading the way, Scott Carberry booted 5 goals. Penola’s best were much harder to find. Keith bounced back from last week’s loss but only over winless Padthaway. Tom Mayfield an unfashionable forward got 6 goals but it was Luke Skoblyk, Todd McShane and Mark Keighley who played well. The margin would have been monstrous but for poor kicking, as it was 108 points wasn’t a poor result. Mundulla with accurate goal kicking had enough good players to keep Kingston at bay and win by 16 points. The Moots led throughout with Darren Wiese and Heath Thorpe getting 4 goals each to be high in the best players. Rob Starling and Adam Curkpatrick played well for Kingston. Naracoorte were in no mood to be worried by Bordertown and had the game wrapped up by half-time with a 55 point lead. They pushed the margin out to 76 at the finish and are raging hot favorites for the flag. Rob Jones, Brett Gould and Michael Childs continued their recent excellent form and Scott Fiora booted 6 goals.

Only a win by Tantanoola could inject some interest into the penultimate round of MSE football but it didn’t happen. Glencoe trailed early, led at halftime and swamped Tantanoola with an 8 goal last quarter to win easily by 58 points. Simon Jones and Adam Price used their strength to advantage, creating avenues to goal along the way. Nick Pearce, Adam Dodd and Tim Stringer tried hard for Tantanoola but many gave it away early in the game. Robe took the game right up to second placed Nangwarry and held a 6 point lead at halftime. Nangwarry, stung by the challenge, recovered and finished strongly to win by 42 points despite inaccuracy. Trevor Fenn, Adam Dinnison and Pat Perry led the revival. Former Mail Medalist Ryan Dew stood out for Robe. Mt Burr easily accounted for wooden-spooner Kalangadoo, winning by 59 points. Nick Morrison, Nathan Muhovics and Chris Puiatti played well against a barely competitive Kalangadoo. League leader Hatherleigh always had Port MacDonnell’s measure and won comfortably by 44 points. Dave Green and coach Simon Beggs again provided most of the goals with 6 and 4 respectively and it may be their Achilles Heel in the finals. Justin Riemann and Matt Faulkner also played well. Ryan Fox, Jason Smith and Matthew Fox were honest battlers for Port MacDonnell.

NARACOORTE DEMONIZE KEITH – August 2 SE Wrap

The blockbuster clash of top teams in the KNTFL, Naracoorte and Keith turned into a murder of crows. Unbeaten Naracoorte were in no mood to give up top spot and their unbeaten run when they crushed Keith after half-time when leading by 15 points. The Demons had good players everywhere and were very potent on the forward line where Sam Logan booted 6 goals. Not content to sit on a 27 point lead at three quarter time they booted 8 goals to 2 in the last to win by 64 points. Brett Gould and Michael Parker were also good around goal with 3 each in what was a great team effort. Keith came expecting to take the game up to Naracoorte but they were never allowed to show their true form and only Nick Hunt, Reece Francis and Wil Stone held up for the entire game. Border Districts had a rare victory but only against winless Padthaway, they gradually increased their margin throughout and won by 35 points. Josh Vickery led the better players and Greg Hamilton booted 5 goals. For the Lions their only plus was Josh Orton and Matt Lampard was again among the goals with 4. Kybybolite smashed Kaniva-Leeor by 149 points with Matt Slotegraaf kicking 8 goals in a best on ground display, he got plenty of help from Ryan Woite and Lee Curnow. All Australian country rep Jason Sutherland justified his selection with another fine game for the Kaniva-Leeor team. Kingston again frustrated their supporters, this time by winning when it counted for little against struggling Penola. Stewie Cooper with 6 goals was named best but Penola must wish the season would end. Lucindale had a tough battle with Bordertown and prevailed by 17 points after they got away to a 25 point lead by three quarter time. Phil Smith and Nigel Fiegert again provided most of the goals with 5 and 3 respectively. Matt Snowball was a tower of strength in the ruck and must be a strong medal prospect. Consistent Chris Aspel and the Devitt brothers, Ty and Sam did well for the Roosters.

EAST GAMBIER, COPPING IT FROM SOUTH - July 26 wrap

South Gambier coach Jon Copping has always been a very good player in fine weather but he’s an even better one in the wet. After an even first quarter where East Gambier wasted many chances South took over. Jon Copping controlled the game and was instrumental in nearly all play as South put the game beyond East Gambier by halftime with a seven goal second quarter. The experience and discipline of South stood out, they were more direct, physically stronger and used the ball much better. East Gambier were the opposite, they were forced wide and brushed aside easily. South led by forty-five points at three-quarter time and Copping goaled twice early in the last to give him seven goals for the game. Ben McGregor, Chayse Fox and Adam Salmon relished the conditions but it was Copping who stood out. Matt Ellis and Nick Anderson got many kicks for East but they were always under pressure, youngsters Carl Slape and Dylan Dempsey tried but East never threatened as South won easily by forty-three points. Portland gave North Gambier’s finals hopes a real setback when they kept SA Tigers scoreless for most of the second half when the rain started to fall. Portland had a better spread of talent and Nathan Bennett, four and Heath Brown, three goals provided the forward targets. Trent Johnston, Clint Lancaster and Erik Stewart were the better players for Portland. North Gambier were best served by veterans David Nulty, Scott Flett and Garth Willoughby with Tim McInerney best of the younger players but Portland won comfortably by fifty points. Arch-rivals Hamilton and Imperials fought out a nail-biter with Imps holding on to win by the narrowest of margins, one point. Grant Ewing was the best forward in the game and booted six goals for Imperials. Brad Cooper and Brad Thomas were good around the midfield whilst Martin Chin played well in the ruck and reduced Hamilton’s chances. Imps led by twenty points at three quarter time and appeared safe but Hamilton fought back strongly. For the second week in a row bad kicking cost them dearly and they have lost twice to Imperials this season. Damien Ferguson, Ben Williams and reliable Joe Sherlock were best for Hamilton. Millicent took all day to get past a tenacious Casterton. They led by eleven points at halftime but Casterton surged to the lead with five third quarter goals and they were fifteen points up at the last change. Led by the veteran Andrew Nitschke and speedy Cam Viney, Jack Sulivan and skipper Pat Contin. Millicent booted five goals to two to get the win in the dying stages by two points. West Gambier broke a long losing streak with an unimpressive thirty-one point win over bottom-side Heywood. They booted six early goals when the ball was relatively dry to set up the win. Jarrod Ryan returned from suspension to play well and kick four goals. Luke Davey and Clint Cowell revelled in the slippery conditions to be West’s best. Heywood had many chances in the last quarter to close the gap but wasted most of them. Kye Bunworth, Nick Johnstone and Ben Nash gave everything for Heywood but they appear unlikely to win a game the season.

In the Mid South East, Mt Burr have cemented their spot in the four as Tantanoola lost to Nangwarry. The Mozzies shook off Port MacDonnell after halftime to win by forty-two points. Chris Puiatti and Jon Agnew did the damage on the ball and up forward for Mt Burr. Kongorong kept Glencoe supporters waiting nervously when they held a five point lead at three quarter time. Despite shocking inaccuracy Glencoe managed three last quarter goals to sneak home by nine points. Tantanoola held a twenty-one point lead at the last change but couldn’t withstand Nangwarry’s fightback. The Perry brothers, Matt and Pat along Ricky Lindner and Chris Fenn, the Saints held Tantanoola to a point and scored four goals to win by seven points. Matt Warren, Hayden Brown and Nathan Bell tried hard for Tantanoola but couldn’t keep Nangwarry out. Robe avoided the wooden spoon when they defeated Kalangadoo by forty-nine points.

Keith crushed an early challenge from Lucindale and booted eighteen goals to four after quarter-time to win easily by eighty-six points. Jason Snajdar was again brilliant with eight goals and Paul Makin played well with four. Lucindale appear unable to win without big games from Nigel Fiegert and Phil Smith, Mark Snowball tried valiantly but had little support. Mundulla again thrashed a side below them when they smashed Penola by eighty-one points on the back of Luke Wiese’s twelve goals. Naracoorte warmed up for next week’s big game against Keith by demolishing Border Districts by twenty-one goals. The consistent Jamie Dixon booted seven goals to be best and Sam Logan and Rob Jones both got four for the Demon’s. Greg Hamilton got five of six goals for Border’s but it was another poor effort, only Jason Mahney stood out for them. Kingston had an easy eighty-three point win over Kaniva-Leeor with Stewie Cooper kicking eight. Casey Sharpe and Mark Kruger stood out for Kingston and skipper Chris Tuckwell played well for Kaniva-Leeor. Kybybolite kept Padthaway scoreless in the first half and won easily by twenty-one goals.

SOUTH GAMBIER HOLD ON IN TIGHT GAME -- July 19 wrap

South Gambier held on against fast finishing Hamilton in Western Border football. The Demons jumped Hamilton early and with strong defensive play kept them out in the second quarter when the Magpies had the wind. Simon Berkefeld was starring in the midfield and Chayse Fox and Luke Foran were outstanding on the backline. South pressed home their advantage and led by thirty points at the last change but only managed two points in the final quarter as Hamilton through Tim Covey, Kane Templeton and Damien Ferguson finished strongly. Inaccuracy hindered their efforts however and the loss of forward Jamie Dowsley earlier with a serious knee injury was costly as they fell short by two points. The victory kept South in fourth spot ahead of a tough game against next week against East, Hamilton also look exposed on the bigger grounds and face arch-enemy Imps in the next round. East Gambier had enough good players to keep Casterton out by forty-three points but only on the strength of an excellent second quarter. They booted nine goals to one to hold a forty-six point lead at half-time but were matched in most of the game by the improving Cats. Tenacious on-baller Jason Dunn was best for East along with Matt Scanlon, Chris Anderson whilst Kelvin Cook returned from injury and kicked six goals. Tom McArlein booted four goals for Casterton in his second game after serious injury and reliable Chris Perry and Brent Howard did well. North Gambier had big percentage booster at Heywood’s expense. They started with a ten goal first quarter and finished with fourteen in the last to win by two hundred and eight points. Steve Hunter got thirteen and Brian Durbidge eight as best for North and David Nulty controlled the rucks. Heywood had the usual battlers of Ben and John Dunn. Millicent’s finals dream ended with a thud as Portland shook them off after half-time and cruised home by sixty-two points. James Imbi starred with four goals and Marcus England again played well. Skipper Jaron Quinlivan and Clint Lancaster also did well. For the Saints the effect of two recent narrow losses will haunt them, Steve Duldig , Jeremy Hales and Andrew Nitschke gave everything but couldn’t stop Portland in the end. Imperials demolished West Gambier by one hundred and thirty-three points with the Shane and Grant Ewing booting nine and eight goals respectively, along with Jason McIntosh and Brad Thomas they were too strong for an out of form West. Matt Neilson, Clint Cowell and youngster Joe Ferguson-Lane kept at it as West managed to finish with six goals in the last quarter.

Glencoe shrugged off Port McDonnell with an eight goal last quarter to win comfortably by sixty-eight points. Matt Sinkunas continued his good form with three goals and Simon and Shane Jones also played well. It was another poor effort in a bad year for the Bay boys. Nangwarry put the acid on Mt Burr after quarter time with a big team effort to win by seventy-one points. Eleven individual goal-kickers were too much for the Mozzies to counter with best players Chris Fenn and Brett Lindner getting three goals each and mid-fielder Matt Tilby starring with two. Defender Peter Guyett again tried hard for Mt Burr but had no four quarter support. The loss means that Mt Burr are playing for a finals berth every week. In other games Kongorong, trying to salvage a disappointing season had a solid six goal win over Robe whose season can’t end soon enough. Brett Sutherland stood out for the winners and Sam Bond got five goals. Hatherleigh belted Kalangadoo by sixty-one points to remain on top and Dave Green booted seven goals whilst Matt Faulkner continued his good recent form, only former medal-winner Brian Casey prevented a massacre for the bottom side.

Phil Smith took over from Nigel Fiegert at the goal-front to bag seventeen goals for Lucindale as they walloped Border Districts by thirty goals in the KNTFL but it hardly surprising as nearly every team has belted the Eagles recently. Sam Graetz and Tristan Menz also played well. The less said about Borders the better. Mundulla had to battle against Kaniva-Leeor for three quarters before running out easy winners by eighty-one points thanks to a nine goal last quarter. Heath Thorpe was best for the Moots and Luke Wiese got eight goals. Jason Sutherland and Shane Vivian stood out for Kaniva-Leeor. Kingston had a sixty-one point margin over winless Padthaway but it was a better effort from the Lions. They matched Kingston goal for goal after half-time but gave away too big a start. Casey Sharpe stood out for Kingston and coach mark Kruger kicked seven goals with clever play. Archie Longbottom and Nick Maxted did well to lift Padthaway back into the game. Bordertown took the game right up the classy Keith for three quarters before going under by thirty- three points. Mark Keighley and Ryan Wood were good players for the Crows and smallmen Jason Snajdar with five and Luke Skoblyk three goals did the damage. Mick Crilly with seven goals for the Roosters and Josh Barras played well to keep their team in the game for most of the day. Naracoorte, Penola and Kybybolite had byes.

In the South Australian U/15 championship final Glenelg Country reversed the result of earlier in the week with a resounding sixty-four point win over Woodville- West Torrens Country at Norwood Oval, Adelaide. Glenelg represented by the South East zone were on top from the start and never looked like losing. Better players in the final were Jake Turner of East Gambier, Bryce Damin and Linc McCarthy of Bordertown, Jack Gregory with four goals from Tantanoola. Luke Exton of Bordertown was outstanding during the week and was awarded the John Seebohm Medal.

EAST CRASH IN WESTERN BORDER -- July 12

On a freezing cold day East Gambier disappointed against top side Hamilton. The first half was relatively close but Hamilton had too much talent after that. East only managed one goal to Hamilton’s eight after halftime. Coach Mark Watts led his team well and had great support from Damien Logan, Damien Ferguson and Tim Covey who also got three goals. The Hamilton forwards were far more productive and had East defenders under pressure constantly. Only Nick Anderson , Ben Odine and Martin Coote stood tall for East and they are pitched in a four way battle for the fourth and fifth spots. North Gambier produced their best form for the season when they withstood a good first half by South Gambier. North had many chances early but wasted them in front of goal before taking over in the third quarter. Around the packs Brian Durbidge was brilliant and he bought others into the game. The Tigers had many good contributors with Matthew Chapman, David Nulty and Cam Campbell playing well. Scott Flett marked strongly up forward for his four goals and Nick Blachut used his pace to kick three. South’s better players were hard to find but Simon Berkefeld tried hard as did Heath Sims. Millicent kept their slim finals hopes alive with a solid thirty four point win over West Gambier. They jumped to a seven goal lead at quarter time and although outscored in the last quarter they had too much to lose. Pat Contin and midget Jeremy Hales were in everything for the Saints and Jamie Croker, Tom Dolan and Adam Merrett fought on for West but the holes were too big to fill. Portland had an easy ninety five point win over bottom team Heywood. Marcus England stood out again and must be a medal favorite. John Dunn, Heywood’s heartbeat gave his usual dogged display. Imperials always held the over Casterton but couldn’t break out at any stage and only won by thirty five points.

All games went as expected in MSE football except where Mt Burr tipped out Tantanoola by twenty eight points. Tantanoola have now lost three in a row and look likely to miss the finals unless they regain form. On-baller Chris Puiatti starred for the Mozzies but had good support from Scott Bevan with four goals and Jon Agnew. Tim Stringer was Tantanoola’s standout but six goals in the last term was to little to late for Tantanoola and Mt Burr enter the top four. In other games Hatherleigh doubled Robe’s score to win by seventy eight with Dave Green booting six goals. Heath DeBoo got his customary bag with five for Robe. Nangwarry accounted for Kongorong by thirty three points with a strong last quarter when they booted six goals to two. Ricky Lindner and veteran Chris Fenn excelled for the Saints. Kongorong’s best was youngster Ricky Hay and Bronson Saffin. Glencoe belted Kalangadoo by eighty eight points but it should have been more.

Kaniva-Leeor almost stole a second win for the year when they just fell three points short against Penola. The Penola goal-kicking was woeful and this almost cost them the game. Bordertown inflicted another heavy defeat on Border Districts, belting them by one hundred twenty points. Tim Harkness with four goals was the Roosters best and Mick Crilly got five. Ladder leader Naracoorte struggled against Kingston and trailed at three quarter time. They got to top gear in the the last keeping Kingston to a point while they added six goals to win by twenty nine points. Matt Gill produced his best game for the year to guide his team home. Kybybolite upset third placed Lucindale. They kept top goal-kicker Nigel Fiegert to just three goals which proved instrumental in the win. George Kidman, Ryan Woite and Lee Curnow had great games for the Tigers. Mark Snowball and Ben Gill tried hard to lift the Roo’s but the Tigers cemented their in the five. Mundulla completed the round with a comprehensive twenty goal win over Padthaway, Luke Wiese getting seven goals for the Moots.

KEITH CROWS GO ON GOAL RAMPAGE -- July 5

Keith Crows recorded the KNTFL’s highest score of the season with 42-24 (276), yesterday when they absolutely smashed Border Districts by 262 pts. Without any semblance of opposition the Keith players lined up for their turn at goal. Jason Snajdar led the way with 9 and Ryan Smart got 7. Alan Hough was named best but it was the appearance of 2006 medalist Hamish Tamblyn that created the interest and he didn’t disappoint. Border’s performance was reminiscent of their dark days of the 70’s. Mundulla again failed when facing a top side and Naracoorte kept their unbeaten run going with a 52 pt win over the Moots. Naracoorte were never in danger and had too much class with Rob Jones, Craig Dicker and Michael Childs doing the damage. Heath Thorpe and Jason Hillier tried hard for Mundulla but lacked support. Kybybolite saw off the threat of Bordertown and cemented their spot in the five with a strong 67 pt win over the Roosters. Former coach Lee Curnow, Shaun Price and Tim Pannell were the standout better players for Kyby in a good team effort with Jamie Tidy getting 4 goals. David Wurst, Sam Devitt and talented youngster Clint Diment played well for the Roosters but they are going to miss the finals again. Penola returned to the winners list after some horrible beatings but only at the expense of bottom side Padthaway and not all that convincingly as they led by only 25 pts at ¾ time before stretching it to 53 pts at the end. Simon Zadow was the Eagles best in a lack lustre game and Mark Edwards again stood out for the Lions. Lucindale had trouble in disposing of arch rival Kingston. They trailed throughout the 1st half before leading by 17 pts at the last change, from there on it was all one way traffic. Lucindale piled on 13 goals to a solitary point in the last qtr to win by 99 pts. Nigel Fiegert kept up his goal-kicking form with 8 but it was Jason Coles, Travis Ware and Tristan Menz who set the team alight. Lincoln Sharpe with 3 goals was best for Kingston but they just fell apart at the finish, another year wasted.

Westen Border completed a split round with top sides Portland and Imperials opposed. Portland held an advantage throughout the 1st half and appeared likely to have a comfortable win but Imps fought back in the 3rd quarter and only trailed by 6 pts entering the last qtr. They managed to keep the pressure on Portland but couldn’t close the gap and went under by the same margin. Marcus England continued his outstanding form for Portland and skipper Jaron Quinlivan, the elusive James Imbi and ruckman Clint Lancaster lived up to their reputations with good displays. Imps were best served by Glen Darroch, Drew McCaskill and Hamish Waldron. In the other game Hamilton toyed with the winless Heywood by 157 pts. Jamie Dowsley with 9 goals was great value up forward and coach Mark Watts was named best. The Magpies look to be a serious threat for the flag with many players capable of kicking goals when needed. Heywood’s usuals of John Dunn, Josh Marnell and Jeremy Gould again gave it everything for the under-manned team.

Pt MacDonnell needed only the motivation of upsetting Kongorong’s 20 year reunion of the 1988 Grand Final victory to inspire them. They led all day over their neighbours and upset the tipsters with a 24 pt win. Glenn Fry with 8 goals was a big stumbling block at full-forward and recruit Wil McDonald stood out on the ball. Kongorong’s recent good form deserted them and only Brett Sutherland and Sam Bond showed any resistance in a poor effort. Nangwarry were less than merciful with Kalangadoo and romped in by 135 pts. They piled on 10 goals in the last quarter to give themselves a real percentage booster. Brett Lindner, Pat Perry and the Fenn brothers did as they liked. The 2 teams involved in last weeks drama, Hatherleigh and Mt Burr both had good wins. Mt Burr crushed any hope with an 8 goal start over Robe and went to win by 111 pts. Peter Guyett, Matt Leslie and Chris Puiatti had too much class and 12 individual goalkickers did the damage. Glen Caelli and Heath DeBoo again battled away for Robe but the rest went missing very early. Tantanoola’s season has hit the skids with Hatherleigh beating them by 44 pts. The loss of key forwards Versace and McCallum has hurt Tant severely. Dave Green, Simon Beggs and Matt Faulkner were the big factors in the Eagle victory. Tim Stringer kept his medal hopes alive as Tant’s best and Josh Rowe and Brody Dodd were damaging but not enough. Tantanoola now appear vulnerable and may be the side to drop out of finals contention.

CONTROVERSY AS HATHERLEIGH IS OUT FOR THE COUNT !!

For the second time this season in MSE football a team has been found to have too many players on the ground. Hatherleigh had 6-4 on the board when a player from each team was sent off for a yellow card. When play resumed for the 2nd term Hatherleigh returned their player to the ground and Mt Burr noticed the player and called for a count, which was duly taken and Hatherleigh penalized. The scoreboard however, was not altered and at the end it showed Hatherleigh as 22 pt winners. However the actual score is that Mt Burr won by 18 pts. Coach Adam Wiese starred for Mt Burr along with Ferguson and Morrison. Matt Faulkner and Matt Bowman did everything to retrieve the game for Hatherleigh and Dave Green assisted with 6 goals by it wasn’t enough. Glencoe’s mid-season slump continued when Nangwarry swamped them after ½ time with 12 goals to one and ran out winners by 44 pts. The Saints trailed by 22 pts at the long-break but led by Ricky Lindner and Nathan King and many goalkickers, they jumped up to 3rd spot on the ladder. Phil Lambert a focal point with 5 goals. Glencoe’s good players faded after ½ time although Simon Jones and Luke Odgers kept at it. New coach Cam Milich had an extended honeymoon as Kongorong absolutely belted Tantanoola by 107 pts. The resurgent Hawks were never in danger with Warwick McGinty starring in the ruck, Wes Mlne and Brad Cordy, 4 goals and Bronson Saffin 5, were too strong for their opponents. It was Tantanoola’s worst loss in seasons as they scarcely had a good player, coach Jason Rowe also incurred the wrath of the umpires and received a yellow card and 15 minute send-off. Pt McDonnell won their 3rd game in a poor display against Kalangadoo by 23 pts.

Keith toyed with Kyby after a 9 goal first term and won by 68 pts. Paul Makin and Todd McShane and Tony Modra with 6 goals put the icing on the cake as the Crows eased down in the last to allow Kyby to boot 5 late goals. Scott Carberry was Kyby’s only hope up forward kicking seven and Tom Cooper battled hard all day. Mundulla suffered another flogging from a top 5 opponent as Lucindale romped in by 78 pts. Tristan Menz and Jason Coles provided the drive and Nigel Fiegert finished the job with 12 goals. Mundulla, who led at ¼ time struggled to have a good player thereafter but Boyd Packer and Jake McGrice tried hard. Naracoorte maintained their unbeaten run with an 88 pt win over lowly Penola. Team leaders Brett Gould, Michael Childs and Paul McCarthy all played well and Scott Fiora booted goals. The ever reliable Rohan Arney was again Penola’s best. Bordertown have threatened all sides but they finally got the points with a solid 28 pt win over the erratic Kingston. The Roosters straight kicking made all the difference in the 2nd half with Mick Crilly getting 6 goals and Clint Barras 3. Josh Barras led the best players along with Christian Aspel. Coach Mark Kruger tried hard to lift his side and Stewie Cooper provided a target with 5 goals but it was the same old story for the Saints, too much left to a few. Kaniva- Leeor had their 1st win of the season and consigned the wooden-spoon to Padthaway with their 6 pt win. KLU trailed by 15pts at ½ time but persevered right to the end for a narrow win. Sutherland, Tuckwell and Dodson, solid players all season savoured the victory which has been a long-time coming. Padthaway would be devastated but not disgraced as they led to within the last few minutes. Archie Longbottom and Mark Edwards gave their all for the Lions.

The Western Border had a split round to allow for the SA Zone championships next weekend. Casterton upset West Gambier by leading throughout to win by 69 pts, thus ending West’s finals hopes. Coach Adrian Meyer played well for 5 goals and Dylan Ryan, Brad Creek and Andrew Cameron continued their recent good form. Luke Davey was the only West player to show out and leading goal-kicker Jarrod Ryan was held to only one goal. South Gambier looked in trouble early as Millicent held a 4 goal lead but with Adam Salmon in everything for his 300th game the Demons gradually reined in the Saints. Wasted chances by Millicent in the 3rd quarter cost them dearly as goals to Jon Copping and midget James Graney gave South a goal lead at ¾ time. Millicent continued to have chances in the last but couldn’t find a way through and South got home by 8pts. Adam Salmon was named best along with his veteran mates Heath Sims and Dan Stratford. Defenders John Facey and Steve Duldig almost kept South out and the lack of power forward saw chances go begging. East Gambier’s ability to score goals against the wind proved crucial with Sam McCracken proving too strong for a few opponents by booting 7 goals after some stron marks. Matt Ellis at centre- half-forward also got 5 as Carl Slape provided his on-ballers with plenty of chances. Steven Hunter got 6 goals again for North but he still missed the easy ones. David Nulty was strong in the ruck and Brian Durbidge, back in the team this week, got plenty of touches but didn’t always use them to advantage. North got to within 13 pts but East with accurate kicking punished them and recorded a good 32 pt win to cement 4th place on the ladder.

TOP FOUR ASPIRANTS STUMBLE IN MID SOUTH EAST ........June 21 wrap

Nangwarry’s winning run came to an end when MSE league leader Hatherleigh defeated them by 20 points. The Saints struggled to stay in touch when Hatherleigh booted 9 goals in the 2nd quarter as Matt Faulkner dominated and finished his work with 5 goals and big forward Dave Green did likewise. They were too good for the Saints defenders and reaped the benefit of Simon Beggs top game around the midfield. Phil Lambert was in good form for Nangwarry with 7 goals and veteran Chris Fenn played well but the Eagles teamwork found out the Saints. Mt Burr, just outside the four also stumbled when Kongorong gave new coach Cam Milich a great start by slamming on 10 last quarter goals to run out victors by 45 pts after scores were level at ¾ time. The Hawks had many goalkicking options and they proved a constant threat to the Mozzies. Brad Cordy was best for the Hawks and had strong support from Tyson von Duve who also kicked 5 goals, Mark Paech also did well. Pete Guyett and Scott Bevan worked hard to keep their side in touch but were over-run at the finish. Glencoe returned to the winners list when they demolished Robe by 101 pts. Adam Gosden starred for Glencoe, Matt Sinkunas and the Jones boys, Aaron and Shane played well whilst Alistair Scott booted 7 goals. Dylan Coxon stood out for Robe in a rare appearance and Heath DeBoo got 4 goals but the Murphies were never in danger. Tantanoola struggled against lowly Pt MacDonnell and it was experienced players Jason Rowe, Adam Lindner and Tim Stringer who lifted to get them over the line. Star recruit Wil McDonald stood out for the Bay along with Ryan Fox but it wasn’t enough and Tantanoola got home by 30 pts. Rob Versace maintained his goal-kicking form with another 5 for Tantanoola.

Mundulla rebounded after last week’s thrashing to defeat a determined Bordertown. They trailed by a point at ¾ time and managed to squeeze through 3 goals to 1 in the last to win by 12pts. Craig Wiese, Boyd Packer and Jason Hillier were solid over 4 quarters for the Moots. Stuart Barbary played a fine captains game for the Roosters along with Tim Harkness and Chris Aspel. Penola couldn’t manage a goal for three quarters as Lucindale controlled everything with Nigel Fiegert bagging 10 goals, barely raising a sweat. Travis Ware and Mark Snowball picked up possessions with scarcely any opposition. The Eagles managed 5 last quarter goals but it was only a token effort. Scott Carberry had his best return for the season with 12 goals for Kyby as they smashed the disappointing Border Districts by 96 pts. Jamie Tidy played well for the Tigers. Hammond’s 3 goals were the only plus for a poor Border’s outfit. Naracoorte’s power forwards again proved too strong and they led the Demons to a 137 pt win over the struggling Kaniva-Leeor United. Logan and Dixon both got 5 goals and Scott Fiora 4 but it was medalist Matt Gill and Brett Gould who did the damage on the ball. Shane Vivian and Brad McCabe again gave everything for KLU. Keith had their hands full with the inconsistent Kingston and trailed by a goal at half time and ¾ time. They shifted up a gear in the last with 9 goals to crush the resistance and win by 43pts and probably end the Saints finals hopes. Joe Hunt and Mark Llewellyn led the charge as Kingston fell away at the end. David Rasheed and Stewie Cooper tried hard for Kingston but needed more to stand up.

In Western Border, Millicent won a lack lustre game over bottom side Heywood and kept their slim finals hopes alive. Heywood gave away a 5 goal start but were relatively even thereafter but the gap was too much and Millicent won by 52 points. Phil Bennett and pint-size Jeremy Hales peformed well for the winners along with solid defender John Facey. Aaron Barr, John Dunn and Josh Marnell were solid as usual for the Lions. Hamilton overcame Casterton after ¼ time and went on to win by 37 pts but they were not convincing. Dylan Gunning, Chris Enales played well and Klug managed 4 goals. Big man Scott Flemming was best for the Cats along with the ever reliable Grant Coxon and Chris Perry. West Gambier had another loss at home when South Gambier got off to a flying start with 7 goals to lead by 34pts at ¼ time. The Demons were never in danger with Leigh Peacock and Joe Noonan getting 4 goals each. Bret O’Neil, Simon Berkefeld and Ash Bryant had too much class for their opponents. West’s short sideways play on the backline proved costly as South cut them off time and again. Luke Davey and Adam Merrett tried hard for West but they look to be out of finals contention as South cantered in by 66pts. Imperials overcame two recent losses in Mt Gambier with an impressive 46 point win over a fractured North Gambier. They kicked 7 goals against the wind in the1st quarter after some undisciplined play and shocking disposal errors by North. Imps teamwork and skill was far superior and they punished the Tigers accordingly. Shane and Grant Ewing were always dangerous along with Hamish Waldron and Brad Thomas and this foursome booted 12 goals to sink North. North’s only resistance came from Steve Hunter who marked everything that came near and kicked 6 goals, it should have been more, and Scott Flett whose 3 goals in the 3rd quarter gave North a chance. Poor kicking cost North early in the last and Imps went forward for 7 goals and crushed the revival. In top form Imps are very hard to stop, they kick long and play direct football. North’s finals chances appear to be slipping away as star on-baller Brian Durbidge did not play and may be in conflict with the club. Confidence is low and they have slipped badly from last years form. Veteran ruckman David Nulty battled hard in his 250th game but it had no big finish for celebrations. East Gambier kept Portland at bay nearly all day but just failed in the finish to lose by 2 pts. Young ruckman Carl Slape was outstanding for East against a strong opponent in Clint Lancaster and defenders Matt Scanlon and Martin Coote kept the Portland forwards quiet. Portland trailed by 21 pts at ¾ time and took all of the last quarter with the wind to get their heads in front, they kept East goal-less in the last to scrape in and stay on top of the ladder. Todd Price, the Imbi brothers and Marcus England lifted and their class got Portland home. East’s form has been impressive of late and they appear the best of the 4 Mt Gambier teams.

BIG MARGINS IN ALL S.E LEAGUES June 14 footy

Bottom of the ladder teams took a shellacking from their higher ranked opponents in many South East football matches yesterday.

In the MSE, even the top team copped a pasting. Hatherleigh ran over the top of Glencoe after 1/4time with coach Simon Beggs at his near best form booting 5 goals and Dave Green at full-forward getting 8.The loss of Glencoe’s coach Matt Patzel with a red card in the 2nd qtr cost his side dearly but Hatherleigh were already on top. The two Matts, Bowman and Faulkner gave plenty of drive as Hatherleigh piled on 8 last quarter goals. Glencoe struggled to have enough clear winners but Simon Jones, Luke Odgers and Matt Sinkunas played well. Robe’s miserable winter continued as Robbie Versace got 8 goals for the 2nd game in a row and led Tantanoola to a 54 point win, Jason Rowe, Tim Stringer and Adam Lindner starred for the Tigers. Heath DeBoo played a lone hand with 7 goals for Robe as they are anchored in the bottom 4. Nangwarry crushed a very weak Pt MacDonnell by 111 pts. With eleven different goal-kickers the Saints encountered hardly any resistance. Trevor Fenn, Brett Lindner and Pat Perry did as they liked for Nangwarry and no one provided anymore than token efforts for the Bay. Kalangadoo broke through for their 1st win at the expense of troubled Kongorong who are believed to have parted with coach Darren Hawkins during the week. The Magpies took advantage of the turmoil with Scott Ward booting 8 goals and the Mules brothers, Chris and Jon doing well they held on to win by 5pts. Only Bronson Saffin’s 9 goals kept the Hawks in the game and youngsters Reece Knight and Warwick McGinty tried hard.

Keith ripped finals aspirant Mundulla apart to the tune of 107 pts and that suggests that maybe the Moots are only making up the numbers. Joe Hunt, Paul Makin and Todd McShane starred for the Crows in a strong team effort with Tony Modra only kicking 4 of 24. Nathan Milligan, Tyne Excell and Aaron Hillier tried hard but Mundulla were overwhelmed. Nigel Fiegert with 13 goals led the goalkicking spree for Lucindale against Kaniva-Leeor and Nathan McDowell collected 9 as the Roos romped in by 198 pts. The enigmatic Kingston again tantalized their supporters with a 99 pt win over Border Districts. Mark Kruger dominated around the packs and in the forward line by kicking 6 goals, he was ably assisted by Stewie Cooper who got 7, Lincoln Sharpe was another dominant player for Kingston. The consistent Luke Crossling got 5 goals for Borders’ but they were never in the game after 1/2time. Padthaway booted more than 10 goals for the 1st time in weeks but they couldn’t stop Naracoorte from piling on 31.The Demon forwards had a day out with Sam Logan booting 8 and Parker and Dixon got 6 and 5 respectively. Craig Dicker and Darren Doecke also starred for Naracoorte. Bordertown notched a hard fought 21 pt win over Penola after trailing by 2 pts at ¾ time. They finished strongly with 7 goals to 3 to overcome the battling Eagles. Cuthertson, Harkness and Tober played well all day and Warncken provide a target with 5 goals. The usual suspects of Simon Zadow, Mark Leslie and Rohan Arney did well for Penola.

Imperials again struggled away from home when East Gambier dismantled their short game by keeping the Ewing brothers quiet. East defenders Matt Scanlon and Nick Anderson cut off many attacks and on-ballers Brad Stephens, Jason Dunn and Ciaran Buckley set up the forward moves, former full-back Scott McCracken showed his versatility with 5 goals as East won convincingly by 40 pts. Imps were very disappointing with many players down on form and confidence before ½ time. Only Glen Darroch, Brad Thomas and Jamie Ferguson battled it out to the finish. Millicent faced the long trip to Hamilton with some confidence but were unable to get the points. Hamilton kicked right away after ½ time with a more productive forward line led by Brendan Huf, 5 goals, Williams and Dowsley 3 each. Guy Sevior and Dylan Gunning also played well. For the Saints, Cam Haggett again starred in the ruck and Andrew Nitschke played well but not many others contributed. Portland swamped Casterton after 1/4 time and won easing down by 100pts. James Imbi, Todd Price and Marcus England were too good and Heath Brown booted 7 goals. Dylan Ryan, Scott Flemming and Andrew Cameron tried for the Cats. South Gambier stayed in touch with the top 5 when crushed Heywood by 136pts. Joe Noonan with 10 goals had his best game in South colours and coach Jon Copping slotted through a lazy 8. The Demons just had too much talent for the hapless Heywood who didn’t kick a goal after ½ time. The injury depleted West and North Gambier met at Malseed Park with both sides needing a win. The game was of a poor standard in the 1st half and West led by 13 pts. North’s better players, Kurzman and Flett lifted in the 3rd quarter and they set up goals that gave them the lead but West fought back to trail by a point at ¾ time. Jarrod Ryan booted his 6th goal early in the last to put West in front but they were run over when North booted 7 goals to win by 29 pts. Cam Campbell, Adam Kurzman and Steve Hunter all booted 3 goals and Scott Flett was dominant around the ground. Jarrod Ryan got 6 goals for West and Matt Nielson and Nick Flood worked hard but to no avail.

WESTERN BORDER PLAYS ON! June 7 wrap

Western Border was the only league to play over the long weekend as the MSE and KNTFL took time out . At Millicent club legend Andrew Nitschke was playing his 300th game and on paper they were not greatly fancied to win against 4th placed East Gambier. The Saints started well and had East under pressure throughout, playing man on man football they stifled East’s loose man set-up and prevented a shoot–out. Millicent led by 17 pts at 1/2t and East only reduced the margin by a point at 3/4t. Cam Haggett dominated the ruck and gave his little men an armchair ride, nearly every forward kicked goals and that made it difficult for East to plug the defensive holes. In the last qtr East closed to within 2 pts but Millicent kicked away and won by 21pts. Pat Contin , Cam Haggett and Phil Bennett starred for Millicent and provided a great day for their veteran team-mate. East’s better players were harder to find, Ross Carpenter, Chris Povey and Matt Ellis tried hard in a poor effort. South Gambier always appeared to have Casterton’s measure and held a 29pt lead at 1/2t. The Cats challenged strongly in the 3rd qtr and closed the gap to 12 pts before South ‘s experienced players took-over. Joe Noonan with 6 goals had a good day up forward and Chayce Fox stood out for South, veterans Adam Salmon and Heath Sims provided the steadiness when it was most needed. Casterton struggled to have a strong forward target and youngster Mark Cowland was their best, along with Chris Perry and Andrew Cameron but in the end South had a comfortable 32pt win. Hamilton would have expected a tough encounter against North Gambier but were barely challenged after ¼ t when they demolished the Tigers by 96pts.Hamilton combined brilliantly with precise teamwork, they were direct and committed, a complete contrast to North who were rudderless. Trailing by 64pts at ½ t, the Tigers were toothless thereafter. They had no leadership or direction, played from behind and were brushed aside at every contest. Leigh Klug for Hamilton had a big day out with 10 goals as he saw off a succession of opponents, Jeremy Holmes, Guy Sevior and Tim Covey also starred but any number of players could have been named as best. For North no one played well but Dion Cownie and Adam Creek tried, the rest were hardly sighted. Hamilton cemented their place in the top 3 with the victory, North’s future looks fairly bleak. West Gambier’s finals aspirations also took a hiding as Portland trampled all over them after 1/4t. Clint Lancaster dominated the rucks and Todd Price, Josh Chapman and Marcus England reaped the benefits. Portland had 10 individual goal-kickers with Heath Brown leading the way with 5. Jarrod Ryan maintained his form with 5 of West’s 7 but the other forwards were unsighted. Imperials completed the round with a 135pt demolition of Heywood and remained on top of the ladder. Grant and Shane Ewing were again amongst the goals with 4 and 9 respectively. They are surely the most destructive players in the league when given freedom, Martin Chin, Darren Kelly and Brad Thomas also had good games for Imps. Heywood’s usuals of John Dunn and Josh Marnell battled away with little assistance.

UNBEATEN RUNS COME TO AN END May 31

Only one team remains undefeated in South East football after Saturday when Glencoe in the MSE and Imperials in the Western Border both went under, thus injecting a bit more interest in their respective leagues.

Glencoe bit the dust against Tantanoola by 32 pts. Although only leading by 8 pts at 1/2t the signs were beginning to show and the Tigers with more contributors got away in the 3rd qtr through Tim Stringer and Nathan Bell. Rob Versace kicked 8 goals and caught his opponents off guard. Glencoe struggled to match Tantanoola’s teamwork although coach Matt Patzel and Simon Jones did their best to lift the Murphies. Hatherleigh put another nail in Pt MacDonnell’s coffin with an easy 65 pt win. Dave Green was a strong forward with 6 goals, Matt Faulkner and Tim Merrett led the best players. Too much was left to too few, Steve Noble and Will McDonald apart, the Demons struggled all day. Nangwarry had to work hard for victory against lowly Robe, getting home by 10 pts. The Lindner brothers, Brett and Rick played well as did veteran Trevor Fenn but it was not a convincing win. Semple, Fletcher and the Dew brothers nearly got Robe over the line. Kalangadoo made a game of it against Mt Burr but couldn’t withstand a 10 goal last qtr as the Mozzies stormed home. James Lesslie got 7 goals and Dale Bowering, Adam Wiese and B. Hennick got plenty of touches. Anthony Kilsby with 4 goals, Chris Mules and Brian Casey stood out for the Magpies but lacked support.

Kyby dealt another blow to Kingston finals hopes with a 20 pt win which was flattering to the losers. Kyby got on top in the middle qtrs and led by 43 pts at ¾ t. Kingston finished with a 6 goal burst but one good qtr isn’t enough. Ray Jaensch, Mat Stilsby and Tom Cooper stood out for the winners. Mark Kruger and Stewie Cooper got 9 of Kingston’s 12 goals and that probably tells the story. Keith’s form looked ordinary in the 1st half against Penola when they only held a 6 pt lead in a low scoring game. The game changed dramatically after that when the Crows piled 23 goals to Penola’s one, Tony Modra being the big contributor with 10, Dave Burgoyne and Reece Francis also lifted their games. Paul Mullen tried all day as his team fell apart. Bordertown had a 93 pt win at KLU’s expense. Rooster’s captain Stuart Barbary played his best game for the year and had good support from Nick Hampel and Sam Devitt. The usuals, Sutherland, Dodson and McCabe tried hard for KLU. Lucindale went on a goal- kicking spree against hapless Padthaway with Nigel Fiegert booting 12 goals for the winners. Border Districts improved form wasn’t good enough to beat Mundulla but it did keep them honest throughout. Nick Davis had another good game for Mundulla as did Darren Wiese and the veteran Ian Clarke. Luke Crossling’s consistent form was rewarded with 6 goals and Collins and Jason Mahney did well for Border Districts. The top five already looks settled which is disappointing for the KNTFL but those teams outside appear neither to have the form or players to raise a challenge.

Imperials were the other league leader to go down when South Gambier outplayed them after 1/2t at Blue Lake Sports Park. After having given up a 3 goal lead earlier South looked to be at Imperials mercy, but ageing ruckman Mick Ryan had other ideas. He controlled the stoppages all over the ground and provided a mountain of chances for his running players, late in the 3rd South got to a 22pt lead after youngster Thomas Renzi kicked a miraculous goal, something right out of a World Soccer Cup final. Grant Ewing goaled after the siren but Imps still had the job in front of them. They rallied strongly to close the gap to 4 pts before South steadied and goaled twice to steal a meritorious victory. Mick Ryan, Simon Berkefeld and Ash Bryant were tireless and Tom Renzi put the icing on the cake. Grant and Shane Ewing were dangerous for Imps and Drew McAskill and Darren Kelly tried hard but Imps will rue some of the silly mistakes they made, especially when they had the advantage. East Gambier cut down the improved West Gambier after an even 1st qtr. Youngster Carl Slape was impressive around the ground and on-ballers Brad Stephens, Martin Coote and Cairan Buckley all had good games. West’s chances crashed quickly in the last qtr when they gave away two downfield frees after crude late tackles. East capitalized with goals on both occasions. Jarrod Ryan with 4 goals for West was always in the game but didn’t have enough support although Adam Schultz and Nick Flood never stopped trying. East home by 22 pts. Hamilton cruised to a 43 pt win over Portland with Brendan Huf and Leigh Klug getting 4 goals each. They had the game under control by 1/2t and Portland’s wayward kicking after that was more due to Hamilton’s applied pressure than poor skills. The Magpies have now toppled their closest rivals for the flag and must be considered more than a threat. Portland’s best were Daniel Sturzaker, Clint Lancaster and Marcus England but they were never allowed to dominate as in other games. Millicent nearly snatched a win over North Gambier but were denied after Garth Willoughby marked deep in defence and quickly transferred play to the other end for a goal that gave North a 6 pt win. The Tigers could ill afford to drop a game which would leave them 2 games adrift of the five. Millicent would be heartened by the effort and now loom as a danger with ruckman Cameron Haggett in top form. He was strongly aided by Jeremy Hales and Steve Duldig. Adam Kurzman and Garth Willoughby stood out for North with Scott Flett and Adam Silvy in support. Casterton broke through for their 1st win at Heywood’s expense. The Cat’s led from start to finish to win by 43 pts although Heywood put up a much better effort than earlier. Trav Povey, Chris Perry and Dylan Ryan were better players for Casterton, this time as winners. Kye Bunworth, Matt Gore and Ben Dunn for Heywood.

INTERLEAGUE FOOTBALL OR HOME AND AWAY May 24

MSEFL hosted the Horsham and District Football League at Glencoe yesterday but once again fell short despite having the home ground advantage. MSE started well and with accurate kicking held a 9 pt lead at qtr time. However the HDFL got their act together and with better forwards they quickly took over and despite inaccuracy they held 17 pt lead at main break. They continued their dominance in the third when they slotted through 5 goals to 2 and held a commanding 35 pt at 3/4 time. The efforts of little man Steve Schultz had been outstanding around the packs and he received strong support form midfielders Tim Webb and Aaron Langsworth. Phil Butsch in defence repelled many MSE attacks as the HDFL cruised to a 25 pt win. MSE were best served by Nathan Bell in defence and Matt Sinkunas across the centre, Dave Green booted 4 goals but saw his opportunities dry up after qtr time.

No inter-league footy in the KNT didn’t worry the fans as 4 of the top 5 teams were opposed. Mundulla and Kyby fought the battle of the Tigers with Mundulla always holding the lead. With Luke Wiese proving a dominant spearhead with 7 goals and Jason Hillier an obstacle at half-back they ran out comfortable winners by 34 pts and climbed to 3rd on the ladder. Ryan Woite did all he could to lift his team and had solid support from Bittner and Tidy but Mundulla had the better forwards. Naracoorte survived a strong last qtr fightback from Lucindale after appearing to have the game under control. Lucindale wasted many chances early on with indirect play and sloppy disposal whilst Naracoorte had clever forwards in Fiora, Logan and Dixon kicking goals without much pressure. Phil Smith was Lucindale’s shining light up forward and with 9 goals he nearly wrecked the Demons afternoon. Darren Doecke and Tom Prebble played well for the winners but Mark Snowball was outstanding in ruck for Lucindale but it was Naracoorte by 12 pts and still uinbeaten in the end. Bordertown crushed Padthaway by 143pts to record their biggest win for the season. Ben McDonnell starred for the Roosters and the Barras brothers, Clint and Josh made their usual contributions, Mark Edwards again battled his heart out for the troubled Lions. Border Districts won their second in a row at the expense of an out of touch Penola. Luke Crossling booted 5 goals to maintain his consistency but it was Jason Mahney and Josh Cother around the ground that did the damage. The ever reliable Rohan Arney stood out for Penola and Ben Anderson was strong but Penola are stuck firmly in the bottom 4, Border Districts by 11 pts. Keith despite poor kicking for goal gave KLU a shellacking by 115 pts. Paul Makin, Luke Skoblyk and Anthony Densley did as they like for the Crows whilst KLU struggled to find anyone more than serviceable but Brad McCabe and Jason Sutherland tried hard.

Western Border had a good morale boosting win over the Bellarine Peninsula in a bid to get into Pool B of the VCFL Championships when they won by 11pts in Stawell. Jon Copping a renowned big game player and champion of inter-league booted 6 goals in the shortened game, Nathan Bennett’s mobility and strength also netted 4 goals as the Blues made the most of a great start. Cameron Haggett the injury plagued ruckman was the stand out player and he set his team alight from the start. In the other game, Murray FL had a big 49 pt win over the Wimmera FL. Sunday’s games would decide who would go into Pool B and percentage would be vital. The first game saw Wimmera upset a fancied Bellarine by a goal but the previous day’s heavy loss hindered their chance of promotion. Western Border needed to win to advance but the Murray League had other ideas and blasted through 10 goals to 2 in the 1st half to blow the game apart. They continued to pour on the goals with another 15 in the 2nd half and although the Western Border got 4 they were simply outclassed and Murray FL won by 119 pts. Tyson Saunders and Drew Barnes were outstanding for the winners and Sean Harrap, Duane Hueston 5 goals each and Brett Vallender 4 did the damage in front of goal. Cameron Haggett carried his good form through the 2 games but it was a shattering finish for Western Border after the previous day’s win.

GLENCOE REMAIN ON TOP