Round 9 Review
Another cracking round of SSA OMFNL has left seven teams fighting for premiership and finals glory with just Wodonga, North Albury and Raiders out of contention.
It’s taken half a season but it finally happened when the unbeaten Wangaratta Magpies were genuinely put to the test at WJ Findlay Oval. In a classic Wangaratta Derby the Rovers pushed its old rivals to the limit, going down by 14 points in a great game of football before a strong crowd.
The unthinkable almost happened in the third term when a Charlie Thompson shot on goal missed to the left that would have put the Rovers in front after trailing by almost four goals at one stage. It was the rarely mentioned Magpie defence that piloted the victory with the Anderson boys Mark and Jamie showing the way along with Michael Bordignon and Luke Saunders.
The reality is that if a team is to beat the Magpies, they will have to find a way to kick at least 12 goals minimum themselves and restrict the Pies forwards to under that. Sam Murray for Rovers and the Magpies Daniel Sharrock were the best two on ground, while Jackson Clarke and Jack Gerrish were also prominent.
Lavington comfortably defeated Myrtleford for the second time this season and in doing so kept alive its finals credentials and put a dent in the Saints. 2019 premiership player Marty Brennan was a surprise inclusion while Billy Glanvill put in another brilliant display along with Jake O’Brien (3 goals). The Panther
defence was outstanding restricting the home side to just six goals. The Saints were missing giant ruckman Dawson Simpson and star utility Matt Dussin. Despite the loss Myrtleford remain in fourth place equal on points with fifth place Corowa Rutherglen and Wangaratta Rovers but a good percentage break.
Albury eventually shook off a tenacious Wodonga Bulldogs in the second half to go two games clear in third place of the chasing double chance pack. A Michael Duncan and Brayden O’Hara masterclass off half back along with excellent midfield work from Anthony Miles and Fletcher Carroll ensured the Tigers got home by 43 points. The Dogs again won plenty of possession across half back and midfield but just can’t find a forward method that can convert enough goals to threaten opposition.
Yarrawonga stay in second place after defeating a gallant Wodonga Raiders at the JC Lowe Oval by 64 points with Leigh Masters forward cameo netting him seven goals. Leigh Williams booted four goals, while Michael Gibbons, Nick Fothergill and Mark Whiley starred in midfield for the Pigeons. The Raiders effort was full of merit, outscoring Yarrawonga in the final term. Max Beattie was gain superb for Raiders with over thirty possessions.
Corowa Rutherglen has returned to the top five with a 54-point win over North Albury in front of the clubs 2000 premiership reunion at the John Foord Oval. Jy Lane played his best game of the season, while defenders Cody Howard and Joe Hansen continued their good form along with Kaelen Bradtke three goals. The Hoppers after just one goal in the first half rallied strongly in a competitive final half with George Godde, Tim Broomhead and Hayden Cooper leading the fight.
Wangaratta has sent a strong message to the top three in OM netball with a dominant 27 goal win over Rovers with Georgia Clark landing 38 goals. The Pies have returned to its dominant force that has won them the last two premierships with Katie Dean and Hannah Grady in great form.
Corowa Rutherglen continued its heavy scoring with a 69-41 thrashing of fifth placed North Albury to remain unbeaten and two games clear top of the table. Grace Senior was unstoppable against her old side shooting 54 goals, while sister Chloe netted the other 15 goals. Jaimi Dove and Niamh Boyer were best for the Hoppers.
Yarrawonga also dismissed another top five contender when they defeated Wodonga Raiders 60-37 with Hannah Symes and Sarah Senini superb. Taylor Donelan really stood up for Raiders shooting 26 goals, while the usual contributors Mackensey House and Maggie St John never gave up the tough battle.
Lavington went to Myrtleford expecting a tough encounter with some indifferent form but came away with an impressive seventeen goal victory and third place still secure. Reigning Toni Wilson Medallist Maddy Lloyd was best on court, just ahead of talented defenders Grace Hay and Taylor Furborough. Rhiannon McIlroy was best for the Saints.
A dominant second quarter proved the catalyst for Albury Tigers six goal win over a much-improved Wodonga in an entertaining clash. Alison Meani, Sarah Jones and Heidi Fisher were best for the Tigers, while again Cassie Mathey with 25 goals was the Bulldogs best.
