By Ken Moore
KOOWEERUP returned to the winning list with a hard fought 19-point victory over the lowly Ellinbank.
The Demons laid the foundations for victory with an eight goal to one first quarter. They were thereafter outscored in each quarter, but having established a big lead at quarter time, were never in any real danger of losing. Star utility Ben Miller kicked six goals and eight behinds – most scored in the third term when the Demons notched 10 behinds. Ruckman Matt Cameron played an instrumental role, assistant coach Lachlan Gillespie subdued Bankers coach Ross Glover and Craig Dyker anchored the defence. As usual, Rhys Morgan hit the packs hard while Bonnie Doon recruit Travis Scott showed he had plenty to offer with many handy disposals. Solidly built Warragul recruit Daniel Golding was steady in defence for Ellinbank and was lent good support from defenders Mick Tumino and Ash Wallace. Josh Peterson was busy midfield and forward Fraser Duncan did enough to suggest he can help erase the Bankers’ goalscoring woes.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Catani in command
SEVEN goals by star Catani forward Owen Fitzpatrick helped steer the Blues to a commanding 58-point victory over a plucky Longwarry.
The Crows were competitive in the first quarter, but could not maintain the intensity over the ensuing terms. The best players for Catani included Andrew Morozoff, who lined up on the wing and pumped the ball forward on a regular basis, Matt Campbell, who gave his former club plenty of grief in and around the middle, and Russell Lehman. Jason Nibbs and Shane Fitzpatrick kept the Blues defence tight. Crow midfielder Jason Garritty showed plenty of grit and courage and was lent more than able support from half back Leigh McDonald. Despite conceding seven goals to Owen Fitzpatrick, Tim Milner managed to prevail in many one on one contests to still be among the better defenders. Stout-hearted ruckman Luke Tymensen toiled well and for the second consecutive week, was well backed up by Rowville recruit Stuart Williams.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:BOMBERS’ FIRSTWIN
NILMA Darnum chalked up its first victory when it pipped Buln Buln by seven points.
The Lyrebirds have had a very frustrating start to the season, losing three games by less than 12 points. Coach Daniel Charles did his utmost to help his side and was well assisted by 16- year-old wingman Jake Mullen, 17-year-old rover Trent Baker, while Charles’ former Dove team-mate, star recruit Ricky Hayes, contributed a lot of resilient defence. Nilma coach David Ivey went into the centre in the second quarter and was able to quell the early influence of his Lyrebird counterpart Charles – and this move helped his runners in Jed Costigan, Michael Mooney, Darren Arezzolo and Chris Weller to thrive. Hard nut ruck Matt Olney played a big hand and Harley Lacunes played with his natural instincts and was a focal target across the forward line. The Bombers will probably need to win the upcoming three games against Kooweerup, Lang Lang and Ellinbank before the Queens Birthday bye, if they hope to stay in touch with the top six.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:PIESBITETHEDUST
POOWONG’S ordinary start to the season continued after it lost to the Warragul Industrials by 54 points.
Since its opening round victory over Nilma Darnum, the Magpies have lost four matches on the trot. The Dusties jumped Poowong and led by 25 points at quarter time and from then on never looked like dropping the four points. Narre Warren recruit Jake Schiavello looms as a likely newcomer after he took 12 marks and constantly drove the ball forward from his wing. Dan Brewster and Russell Ware were solid in defence, and despite kicking four behinds in the first quarter, enigmatic forward Mick Santo went on to slot through seven goals and remain on top of the goalkicking table with 36. Regular forward Ariki Matwijki lined up as a loose man in defence and repelled many attacks, while promising youngster Sean Lewis played well off his half back flank. Poowong ruckman Connor Cunningham negated his agile opponent Ben Hobgen, Justin Sweeney (four goals) was a constant menace for his opponent Damian Dawson, Dave Miller thwarted many attacks, Ben Drew set up many forward moves and onballer Brent Fitzgerald did his level best.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:CATSTOOGOOD
NEERIM Neerim South moved to fifth place on the ladder after it recorded a convincing 39-point win over Bunyip.
The Cats were more capable at making the right decisions at the right time. The Cats welcomed back former player Glen Marshall, who played in a Warragul premiership but retired at the end of 2008. He showed his class and experience with a fine game from the wing. Chris and Mick Urie latched on to plenty of the ball, back pocket Matt Cumming offered a lot of dogged defence while Chris Redl (five goals) gave teammates a good target. For Bunyip, Marc Rotunno showed his ability to play a variety of roles, often alternating between the ruck and defence, wingman Robbie Lee and onballer Josh Taylor garnered plenty of disposals, Andrew Hobday, in his 200th game, and young wingman Jake Buckingham, put in notable performances. The Bulldogs have not scored more than 10 goals in any of their five outings, which says a lot about their problems. Furthermore, well over a dozen senior players are presently sidelined with injury.
