Round 15 (week 2) Review
Lavington has moved inside the SS&A OMFNL top five for the first time this season, after they accounted for North Albury and Wodonga upset the Wangaratta Rovers. The Panthers 39-point victory was enough to lift its percentage above Rovers. They did however cost themselves even more percentage with a final term lapse. North Albury showed great spirit to kick six goals in the final term after only managing one goal in the first three quarters. Newly appointed 2023 coach Tim Broomhead kicked four in that term.
The Panthers would still be delighted with its late season form – Billy Glanvill again dominated, while Hamish Gilmore and Darcy Hennessy also stood out. Lavington has a tough run home starting this week with an away game to Albury, followed by its final home game against top side Wangaratta. Their final match is away to Raiders.
Wodonga for the second time this season out muscled Wangaratta Rovers in a season best performance winning away from home by 42 points. Rovers were poor kicking just one goal in the first half and just three more in the second half for a season low score of 4-12 in a third straight loss for the Hawks. Sam Jewell booted three goals in a best afield effort, while Jet Cassidy also kicked three in an impressive senior debut. Cassidy has kicked thirty goals in the seconds this year. Cassidy became the sixteenth player to debut for Wodonga in the last two seasons as the Doggies posted its fifth win of the season. Wodonga dominated inside fifties with Angus Baker leading the way while Charlie Morrison down back was superb along with Adam Jorgensen and Josh Mathey.
Wangaratta and Myrtleford slugged out a bruising encounter in muddy conditions at the McNamara reserve with the Pies winning by seven points. Both sides were magnificent in the conditions with the seven goal first quarter showcasing some of the best football possible in the conditions.
Wangaratta led by four points at half time with both sides having booted five goals. That is where the goal scoring stopped with not one major registered in the slogging second half. Abe Ankers booted three goals in the first quarter to set up the Pies win, while Nick Warnock pulled down several towering marks to boot two goals for the Saints. Tactics and planning were thrown out the window as the game became a moving rugby maul as the ground turned into a quagmire. The Pies led by five points at three quarter time and after holding off a Myrtleford surge in the first fifteen minutes of the last term they were able to add two behinds to come home victorious.
The top three positions look locked away with Wangaratta, Yarrawonga and Albury set to finish in that order. Myrtleford, Lavington and Rovers are all equal on eight wins.
The drought is over for the Wodonga Bulldogs A grade netball team when they defeated Wangaratta Rovers at Wangaratta on Saturday. The Bulldogs 45-32 win was its first in 36 matches or 1155 days since June 2019. They did it in style leading all the way in a morale boosting achievement. They jumped the Rovers in the first quarter. The Rovers fought back momentarily in the third quarter, but another dominant last quarter effort ensured the drought was over. Ella Dickins, Ellie Ainsworth, and sharpshooting Cassi Mathey were best for Wodonga, while for Rovers Briony Simpson and Kelsie Wilson tried valiantly.
Lavington were given a massive scare from North Albury, before winning by just two goals in a brilliantly contested match of the round. Scores were level at quarter time and half time and then North Albury looked set for an upset leading by one goal at the final break. Scores were level with just over a minute remaining until two late goals by Panther shooter Maddi Plunkett got Lavington the victory and equal top with Corowa Rutherglen. Sophia Kohlhagen was best on court in a losing side, while Nat Heagney and Kelsey Lieschke were outstanding in the Hoppers brave effort.
A North Albury win would have left them just half a game outside the top five. The Hoppers will have to win its last three games to make finals. Panther veterans Sarah Meredith and Ange DeMamiel showed all their experience to guide their team home when an upset looked on the table.
Wangaratta continues to build toward another finals campaign. The defending premiers hammered the Saints winning 55-31 with Georgia Clark netting 35 goals for the Pies. Katie Dean and Hannah Grady were all class as the Pies find season best form at the right time. Saige Broz, Tina Way, and Sophie Cappellari were best for Myrtleford.
