Round 2 Preview
Brilliant Autumn sunshine graced round six of the SS&A OMFNL to complete one-third of the season on both the netball court and football field.
Unbeaten Wodonga who had the bye still remain on top in the football, while Yarrawonga and Albury are both locked comfortably inside the top three.
There are injury concerns for the OM interleague squad with Albury pair Isaac Muller and Jacob Conlan set to miss this Saturday’s clash with the Goulburn Valley FL at Albury.
Wangaratta Rovers after winning its first three games have now suffered back-to-back losses and all of a sudden, they have their top five under threat.
Albury without star forward Jacob Conlan and an early second-term concussion injury for ruckman Isaac Muller, still had enough firepower to beat the Hawks by 31 points.
Brayden O’Hara showed he still oozes class with a best-on-ground performance for Albury. Jeff Garlett, Kolby Heiner-Hennessy, and Lucas Conlan were others to shine.
Ben Kelly did a wonderful job replacing Muller in the ruck, while Jess Wilson led a terrific backline. Alex Marklew and Lachie McCartney were best for the Rovers.
Yarrawonga led by the Wonderful W’s – Leigh Williams, Cam Wilson and the Wheeler boys Harry and Willie proved too classy for a very gallant Myrtleford at the McNamara Reserve.
Williams has stretched his lead in the Doug Strang medal with five goals, while the on-ball brigade of Wilson and the Wheelers were superb in the Pigeons 45 point win.
The Saints continue to play an enterprising brand of football with Simon Curtis and Kyle Winter- Irving leading the way. Jake Sharp made a successful return from injury for the Saints.
Pigeons midfielder Mark Whiley did not play the second half with a calf complaint, in better news former Carlton star Michael Gibbons will return in the next fortnight.
North Albury pushed Lavington all the way falling just 11 points short at the Lavington Sportsground in a game that won’t be archived for its excellence.
In perfect conditions on a perfect playing surface, Lavington notched up its second win of the season in ugly fashion 7-14-56 to 5-15-45.
The highlight of the game was the appearance of the four Gardiner boys playing together for the first time Archer, Flynn, Foster and 16 yr old debutant Cody.
Previously the four Holman boys Kris, Nick, Tom and Luke played for North Albury about a decade ago, while Tim, Mark, Paul and Brett Sanson played at Lavington about two decades ago.
Wangaratta made it three wins in a row after they beat Wodonga Raiders by 61 points at Birallee Park with 2021 Morris Medal winner Cal Moore best on ground.
Moore booted five goals to edge out Jackson Clarke who had 39 possessions and three goals. The Magpies kicked eight first-quarter goals to set up the win.
Raiders led by Jason Burke, Ned Conway, Brad and Charlie St John led a terrific second-half comeback outscoring the Magpies 7-4 to 6-1.
The Magpies after a tough first few rounds have now worked their way into fourth place on the ladder a game clear and percentage ahead of Lavington whom they play on May 27.
Yarrawonga gave the new kids on the block Myrtleford a gentle reminder they have work to do if they are to challenge the Pigeons in finals.
With Sarah Moore outstanding Yarrawonga completed a very impressive 53-32 win, Maddy Allan with (25) gls worked superbly with Moore.
Lavington has dealt North Albury’s finals hopes a savage blow with a comfortable 57-41 win. The Hoppers who fought back in the second half are now two games out of the top five.
Christine Oguche with 42 goals and Steph Clancy starred for Lavington, while best for the Hoppers were Madi Lieschke and Maddie Pearson.
Wodonga Raiders lost no admirers with their 31-36 loss to Wangaratta, the Raiders led at halftime with Eliza Mooney and Mia Lavis both starring.
Led by Georgia Clark the Magpies fought back to win both the third and final quarter to maintain second place, while Raiders dropped to fifth.
Albury racked up a huge 74-38 win over Wangaratta Rovers with emerging star Lillie Howe shooting 46 goals for the Tigers.
