Eagles secure minor premiership

Ellinbank celebrates on the final siren after a win in absolutely horrendous conditions. 196501 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

By Tyler Lewis

ELLINBANK AND DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

REVIEW – ROUND 17

In the match of the round, Ellinbank secured top spot on the ladder against Longwarry in an extremely low-scoring nailbiter.

The Eagles won 1.5 (11) to 1.4 (10) in treacherous conditions where jumper colours became redundant – the win places the Eagles as minor premiers and the favourite to take home the ultimate prize.

In a remarkable match, the Crows put their goal on the board in the opening term while the Eagles took until after the main break to add theirs.

Hayden Stagg was the goal kicker for the Eagles and was best afield while big man Nick Redley stood strong for the Crows.

Nyora, meanwhile, is facing a battle to be able to defend its premiership, losing to Poowong and remaining in sixth position, 2.5 (17) to 5.11 (41).

The Saints led at the first break but were unable to add another to the scoreboard.

Brad Arnold was among the best for the Saints while his stablemate Ilan Osman continued his streak of 16 matches with a goal in 2019. Jayden Sullivan continued his form, again shining for the Pies.

Buln Buln and Neerim Neerim South competed in an interesting match that saw all of the game’s majors scored in the opening term, and the Cats snuck home, 2.5 (17) to 1.2 (8).

Dean Stringer was the best for the Cats while Jack Symes was a standout for the Lyrebirds.

Yarragon also edged away from Lang Lang on the ladder with an 8.11 (59) to 4.7 (31) victory in the final ever game for the Tigers at the showgrounds.

Darcy Jones was the best for Yarragon while Josh Brown performed strongly for the Tigers. Neither side will make finals but it is an important win going forward for Yarragon.

And Catani’s fast start over Nilma Darnum ultimately got the job done in its 16.11 (107) to 4.6 (30) victory.

The Blues had a nine-goal to nil lead at the half and coasted home to victory from then on. Nic Visser filled his boots with five majors while James Bourke was the best for the Bombers.

Ahead of the final round, all sides expecting to play finals should win with the closest ladder positioned match being first versus fifth. Catani is set to host Longwarry, Buln Buln will venture out to Ellinbank, Nilma Darnum welcomes Poowong to its home deck, Lang Lang takes on Nyora away from home, and Yarragon hosts Neerim Nerrim South.