Cobras take commanding win
Cora Lynn further entrenched itself in the West Gippsland football top five with a commanding win over a struggling Bunyip in round nine, 23-9 (147) to 8-7 (55).
While the Bulldogs were able to register one of their better scores this season, it was the Cobras’ ability to score consistently across all four quarters that allowed it to complete a run away victory.
The Bulldogs did best in restricting Cora Lynn in the first term, but the Cobras still managed four goals to one and were never headed for the remainder of the match.
A further six goals to two in the second term opened up a handy 42-point buffer and while the Bulldogs managed three goals after the break in their best quarter of football, the Cobras slammed through seven majors of their own to have the match in their keeping.
The Cobras didn’t let up in the final term, booting a further six goals to two to run away to an important percentage boosting win.
The Cobras now sit third on percentage in a tight mid-section of the ladder, although their lower ranked opponents have a match in hand.
Nathan Langley and Ryan Gillis provided headaches for the Bunyip defence, booting nine goals between them.
Rylan Smith provided drive off half back, while Ryan Spierings, Matthew Langley and Jeremy Monckton were also prominent.
Jeb McLeod, Joel Gibson, Zac Vansittart, Ben Stewart. Darren Jameson and Matthew Ross were the better players for Bunyip.
Goon surges
Nar Nar Goon continued its recent resurgence with a strong win over fellow finals aspirants Phillip Island, 1218 (90) to 5-10 (40).
The Goon could have had a greater quarter time margin had it been for a better return than 1-6.
Umperterbed, the Goon were able to restrict the Bulldogs and keep control as they gradually built their lead.
Four goals to one in the final term capped a strong performance to close the gap on the sixth-placed Island and give themselves every chance of pushing for finals in the second half of the season.
Thre Goon now sit eight points outside of the top five.
Tom Dovaston kicked three goals, while Tyler Payroli, Trent Armour, Bailey Beck, Todd Beck and Brendann Hermann also helped the Goon to a strong win.
Nick Higginson, Shaun Everington, Michael Duiker, Hayden Moore, Brodie Johnston and Jarrod Andreatta tried their best to keep Phillip Island in the contest.
Magpies hold on
Dalyston maintained its hold on a top two position, but were made to work hard for the points against a determined Koo wee rup.
Apoor first half again proved costly for the Demons as they went down by 15-points, 10-6 (66) to 7-9 (51).
Facing a 41-point deficit at half time after conceding eight goals to one, the Demons again came home strongly but the deficit proved too much.
Five goals to one in the third term brought the game back to life, cutting the margin back to 16-points.
But the Magpies responded and ground their way to victory in a torrid final term that realised just the one goal for either side.
Ben Collins kicked three goals, while Luke Walker, Daniel Calteri, Tim Miller, Sean Nicholson, Troy Dolan and Ryan Wilby also helped the Demons back into the contest.
Earlier, Brad Fisher, Travis Krause, Blake Carew, Kyle Kirk, Kurt Thomas and Rhys Harrop helped the Magpies set up a match winning lead.
Sea Eagles in form
Inverloch-Kongwak rediscovered some of their best form in easily accounting for Garfield, 16-14 (110) to 815 (63).
The Sea Eagles burst out of the blocks, running rampant in the first term with seven goals to one to set the match up.
The home side were never really troubled from that point, holding a commanding 50-point lead at the final change.
Playing for pride, the Stars responded well in a competitive final term.
Toby Mahoney finished with seven majors for the home side, while coach Andrew Soumilas chipped in with three goals.
Michael Eales, Josh Purcell, Shem Hawking and Ryan Sparkes were also prominent.
Tom Marsh, Ned Marsh (three goals), Darcy Payne, Saxon Watson, Tyson Payne and Sam Batson did their best to stem the tide for the Stars.
Edwards inspires
Kilcunda-Bass held on for a thrilling two-point win over Korumburra-Bena on Sunday, 11-10 (76) to 11-8 (74).
In a closely-fought battle, the Giants held sway with a narrow lead for much of the contest, but weren’t in front when it mattered most.
The Giants have struggled to win games this season and were unlucky, while the Panthers were given a stern reminder that they will need to lift.
The Panthers can match any team in the competition if they play to their best, but have lacked consistency at times this season.
Taylor Gibson kicked three goals, while former AFL listed players Brent Macaffer and Mitch Golby were also instrumental in helping the Panthers lift.
Chris Endres, David Hutchinson and Tim Smith were also prominent.
Sam Edwards almost inspired the Giants to victory with his six-goal effort.
John Amaya, Luke Van Rooy, William Jeffs, Josh Hill and Cameron Trewin were assisted him.