Mypolonga 12.12 (84)
Imperials 8.5 (53)
Mypolonga broke a three-and-a-half year drought against Imperials with a spirited 31-point victory in wintry conditions at Johnstone Park, on Saturday.
Imperials won the toss and elected to kick with the breeze, but they did not use the advantage well because rain began to fall, making the ground slippery.
With both sides having to resort to wet weather football, Imperials were able to put through a much-needed goal, with Tom Hines scoring his first.
Tigers’ James Pedler dominated early in the first term, as his work around the ground kept his side in touch.
Both teams went goal-for-goal with Mypolonga’s Caine Lynn levelling the score after multiple 50-metre penalties, giving his side a look-in, heading into the second term.
What happened next was something remarkable, which will put Jervois and Ramblers on notice, as Mypolonga smashed the Blues with a six goal to one quarter.
Mypolonga’s dominance was overwhelming and the Imperial crowd and their players were shocked as the Tigers penetrated their forward line with ease.
Two goals from Mypolonga’s Cameron Wells helped extend their lead, and when Lynn ran into an open goal the Tigers were in front by seven goals. Imperials started the second half well, with Daniel Girdham and Martin Baillie goaling early to reduce the margin.
But the Tigers were able steady with three goals of their own, ruining any chance of an Imperial revival.
The final quarter was nothing exciting as Imperial supporters started to leave early to beat the traffic.
As the final siren sounded Mypolonga proved that this season may not be a three-horse race.
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R amblers on winning way
Ramblers 26.18 (174)
Meningie 4.11 (35)
RAMBLERS defeated a determined Meningie Bears outfit by 22 goals at LeMessurier Oval on Saturday.
The Roosters were without two of their best players, Luke Button and Ryan Morris, who had State country duties.
The game started in wet and slippery conditions, with full forward Clint Girardi kicking the opening major of the match for the Roosters.
Meningie soon replied through a clever goal from Ryan Mallard.
Ramblers then retaliated with a strong grab and goal from Girardi.
The Roosters had their third through a fantastic holding-the-ball tackle from Trent Paech.
Meningie’s Josh Robinson was busy around the Bears’ half forward line, but it was to no avail as Girardi kicked his third goal of the quarter for the Roosters.
This was soon followed up by a smart goal to teen sensation Ben Dougall, to give Ramblers a four-goal lead going into quarter time.
The Roosters kicked their sixth early in the second when a quick pass from Dougall found the running Patrick O’Neil.
The Bears were attacking regularly, but their forward line assaults were repelled by Tyson Mathews and Daniel Zadow.
The Roosters went on to kick the next seven goals for the quarter, with Girardi nailing three of them and Dougall having a hand in several others.
Meningie came out with all guns blazing after half-time to kick the first goal of the quarter, but this was soon answered with a lucky goal to Ramblers’ Sam Pfeiffer.
The Bears were attacking more with the breeze, but Ramblers’ defence held firm and they finished the quarter by kicking two more goals.
The Roosters came out in the final stanza with Liam O’Neil gathering plenty of possessions and also scoring a goal.
Meningie scored a major through the tenacious Mallard, but two goals in a minute to Ryan Viney, all but sealed the match.
Mathews was asserting his authority across the half back line with some strong marks.
The Roosters finished the game well with one goal each to the O’Neil brothers.
Best for Ramblers were Mathews and Zadow in defence with Patrick and Liam O’Neil and Trent Paech providing good run all day.
The Roosters shared the ball around in the forward line with Girardi bagging six and Patrick O’Neil and Ryan Viney scoring four each.
For the Bears, Tim Saddlier tried hard all day and received help from Peter Reichelt, Aiden Barker and Shaun Ridley.
Mark Turner and Mallard, with two goals, were also serviceable for Meningie.
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Strong finish gives Mannum 49 point win
Mannum 21.17 (143)
Tailem Bend 14.10 (94)
It certainly was a finals-like atmosphere for the match between Tailem Bend and Mannum.
Both teams were pumped up with the winner almost certainly headed towards the finals race.
Mannum won the toss and elected to kick with a two-goal breeze.
After an even start, Michael Thomas spotted up Adam Wilkey in the goal square for the Eagles’ opening goal.
Thomas then delivered the ball to Anthony Gregurke, who scored the Eagles’ second.
But in the last five minutes of the quarter, Mannum hit back with goals to Josh Gould, Jarrod Woodward and Ben Quinn.
Matt Connolly, with his defensive marking across half back, and Paul Sarno were instrumental in the Roos’ fight back.
Mannum would have been happy with a lead of 5-5 to 3-3 going into the second quarter.
It was a brilliant start to the second term for the Eagles, with a centre break resulting in a goal to Wayne Luckett.
Tailem’s smaller players were starting to run well, only to be repelled time after time by Mannum’s Matt Connolly.
The Eagles drew within three points, but their undisciplined play let them down as they conceded three goals just before the break.
Half-time scores were Mannum 11-7 to Tailem Bend 8-4.
Heavy showers at the start of the second half made the ball slippery, causing Tailem Bend’s skill level to drop off.
Mannum capitalised with early goals to Gould and Andrew Warnest.
After Mannum got out to an eight goal break, Tailem began to launch an attack through successive goals to Dylan Hogarth (twice), Josh Gerlach and Luckett, but once again released the pressure before three quarter time with another goal for Mannum to Quinn.
Three quarter time scores were Mannum 17-13 to Tailem Bend 13-8.
Brad Bell was inspirational in the centre of the ground to provide Hogarth with his third and suddenly the Eagles looked a silly chance.
Quinn had been quiet by his standards, but came to life at the business end, to finish with five goals and ensure a comfortable win 21-17 to 14-10.
Best for Mannum were Sarno, Ben Lambert, Justin Maloney, Brad Wakefield and youngster Chris Rudiger, and for Tailem, Vickers, Todd Downs, Patrick Gabb, Gregurke and Hogarth.
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