EDFL under 16s set tone

Ellinbank and District Football League were quick to take control in their under 16 match against Horsham District Football League on the way to comfortable victory, 12-3 (75) to 6-4 (40).

The Horsham District side worked their way into the contest late, finishing strongly with four goals to one in the final term, but it was too late as the Ellinbank District team built a solid lead heading into the final change.

With the match starting in slippery conditions on a dewy Ballarat City oval surface, clean pick up, possession and marking proved difficult.

Both midfields were evenly matched early, with the Ellinbank District defenders strong and providing good spread.

A strong mark to captain Geordie Wells broke the deadlock, and he followed up again roving front and centre to quickly have two goals on the board for the Ellinbank District side.

Confidence to attack the centre corridor paid off as Aiden Keady finished with a goal. A centre clearance set up Ellinbank District for their fourth, with Ryan Atherton finishing the work this time around.

Horsham District lifted for the second term and dominated play early but could not capitalise on opportunities.

Bailey Stephens snapped from the front of the pack to score against the run of play. Horsham District responded before Isaac Fuller scored a long goal for the Ellinbank District side in what was becoming an arm wrestle.

Ellinbank District quickly regain ascendency for the third term, as Hayden Wallis ran into an open goal twice in a matter of minutes.

Luke Kinder snapped for the ninth and while Horsham District responded, the fightback was shortlived with goals to Wallis and Liam Quarrell opened up a 53-point advantage at the final change.

Coaches encouraged the Ellinbank District forwards to fill their boots and go in for the kill but it wasn’t to be as Horsham District put through four of the last five goals to put some respectability back into the scoreboard.

A well-weighted kick to allow Brayden Hefford to mark running back with the flight and convert proved a rare highlight as the match petered out.

Lachlan Crook stood up in the midfield alongside his captain Wells, and won the medal for best player on the ground.

Ryan Atherton was strong around the packs while Matthew Dare and Ryan Knight were also prominent.

The Ellinbank Distriict Football League under 18 team share the spoils with coach Toby Wallace. The team included William Robertson, Lauchlan Gregson, Lachlan Seppings, Travis Stewart, Riley Sheriff, Justin Lockett, Rhys George, Blake Kahan, Jai...

The Ellinbank District Football League team celebrate victory with coach Rob Hefford. The team included Hayden Wallis, Brayden Hefford, Ryan Atherton, Bailey Stephens, Geordie Wells, Lachlan Crook, Isaac Fuller, Luke Kinder, Aiden Keady, Matthew Dare,...