Ellinbank hammer Nilma-Darnum
Ellinbank have emerged as another potential Ellinbank District football threat after hammering Nilma-Darnum, 23-6 (144) to 7-9 (51).
While Matthew Barrand led the way with eight majors, plenty of other playmakers caused headaches for the struggling Bombers, who will need to rebound strongly if they are to emulate last year’s feat of playing finals football.
The big win sees the Eagles one of three teams to remain undefeated after the first two rounds. The Eagles were far too skilled on Saturday, and are well coached by Ben Wragg, who has brought some structure to the side.
Ellinbank started the match full of running, but couldn’t capitalise as the Nilma-Darnum defence held firm, with the Campbell brothers all instrumental in repelling the early attacks.
The Eagles continued to press forward and broke through for the first goal, but the Bombers were able to hit back when they finally managed to move into attack.
A long kick into the forward 50 rolled through for a behind before the Bombers were able to capitalise on an Ellinbank mistake, with the full back putting his teammate under pressure and NilmaDarnum snapping truly to level the scores.
Ellinbank took control from that point, kicking the next seven goals.
Wragg, Barrand and Toby Wallace began to look dangerous as the Eagles took a five goal lead into quarter time.
A long kick from Lachlan Cove set up the Eagles’ second goal, Toby Wallace kept running from the wing and was rewarded by being on the end of a pass before a long kick found Barrand on the lead and he kicked truly.
Toby Wallace was in the action again as he ran back towards goal and converted as the Eagles took a five goal lead into quarter time.
Keegan Bott went long with the Eagles awarded a free kick for a hold to start the second quarter on a positive note.
The Eagles moved forward again, breaking from the wing as Jackson Parker found Barrand on the lead. A 50 metre penalty for encroaching the protected area gifted him another goal, before Nicholas Wilcox set the Bombers up to get one back the other way in similar circumstances.
The Bombers went forward again and converted from a free kick but the Eagles were able to respond with consecutive majors of their own.
Wragg kicked a goal on the run before before quick hands from Michael Pandolfo set up Toby Wallace to kick goal of the day with a left foot snap from the pocket.
The Bombers hit back with another two goals on the run, but again the Eagles responded.
Ash Wallace found Wragg on the lead, before Wragg brought the ball to ground after flying against two Bombers opponents, returning the favour as Ash Wallace ran into the open goal.
Cameron Parker, who provided the Eagles with good drive from half back, recovered nicely from a spilt chance to convert to extend the lead to 50 points at threequarter time.
Nilma-Darnum coach Dean Alger pleaded for his players to show some pride in the final quarter.
The Bombers kicked the first goal of the term, but the Eagles were finishing full of running and slammed home the next eight goals to cap a strong performance.
Wragg centred to Barrand to score their 18th and the Bombers were broken.
Cove found Jackson Parker who went long to Wragg for another goal. Parker added his second and even defender Andrew Quirk got in on the act with a running goal.
Shaun Phelan also finished amongst the better players for the Eagles despite suffering from a heavy knock.
The Bombers lacked the firepower of recent times. Michael Buzasi, Ben Campbell, Trent Hughes, Ben Arnold and Wilcox stood up at times for the Bombers, while Tom Campbell gave his midfielders good service from the ruck.
Bankers win big
Ellinbank also ran out big winners in the Reserves, defeating Nilma-Darnum 23-9 (147) to 0-4 (4).
The Eagles kicked five goals in the first quarter and were never headed, cashing in after the long break to boot eight goals in the third term before adding another seven in the final term for a significant percentage boost.
With a later start time due to staggered start times in the juniors, some at the ground were left counting down the minutes until the senior teams took to the field as the home team dominated the second half.
James Scammell kicked five goals, supported by Tom Johnson and Luke Pratt, who both booted four majors, while Brad Glover chipped in with three goals.
Other better players for the Eagles were Neale Parke, Tyler Hotchkin and Ryan Carpenter.
Buln storm home
Buln Buln stormed home in the under 18s to put the only dampener on an otherwise fruitful day for Ellinbank.
The Eagles took a 12-point lead into half time before the Lyrebirds got the better of them in a frenetic second half, booting seven goals to four to win a thrilling contest by just three points.
Sean Symes was the star for the Lyrebirds, booting six of the teams eight goals.
James Fowler, Reece Campbell, Ryan Wellings, Brandon Allan and Kyan Willis were also instrumental in setting up the successful comeback.
Jaxon Notman kicked three goals for Ellinbank, with Mathew Notman, William Robertson, Elliot Kennedy, Jayden Hedrick, Isaac Taylor and Jarred Carroll did their best in an attempt to stave off a fast finish.
Eagles show fight
Ellinbank took the points in the under 16s but were made to earn them as they kept an undermanned yet determined Nilma Darnum side to win 7-9 (51) to 51 (31).
The Bombers showed some positive signs, winning the third quarter, but it was Ellinbank who held the edge otherwise.
Zac Hewlett-Jones kicked three goals for Ellinbank, with Sam Pratt, Lewis Kennedy, Callum Auldist, Lucas Maffei, Marcello Downie and Jack Whitehead other strong performers.
Korey Carrison led the way for the Bombers with three goals. Blake Cann, Sebastian Crowle, Haydn Burke and Jackson Clerks helped ensure the Bombers remained competitive.