Nyora squanders early opportunity
Nyora had a solid chance at victory heading into last Saturday’s home game against Ellinbank but squandered the opportunity.
The home side lost by 34 points in a game where Ellinbank held the lead through all four quarters. In the first the margin was just one point, but at the main break the margin had grown to 26, in part due to Nyora’s inaccuracy in front of goal, but mostly because of the Eagles’ ability to keep it in their 50. The visitors had added four goals three in that second quarter.
After the main break Nyora put in a decent four goal effort in an attempt to charge into pole position for the first time in the match, but their efforts did not pay off with the Eagles adding three goals four which brought their lead to a difficult to overcome 27 points.
In the final term both sides put in gallant efforts with a number of majors traded, but it was Ellinbank who consolidated their early scoring and won the game by 34 points — 7.11-53 to 13.9-87.
The biggest cog in Ellinbank’s wheel on Saturday was Ben Wragg who was best on ground for the Eagles. He was backed up by the efforts of Michael Urie (who put two majors on the scoreboard), Adam Cook (who added an impressive 5 majors), Blake Notman, Hayden Stagg (who kicked one major) and Mark Vassett. Tom Robertson was also important with two goals to his name.
For the home side, it was Rhys Bancroft who was the best on ground. Ryan Spooner, Ben Miller, Adam Tagliaferro, Mitchell Stansborough and Brad Arnold also made important contributions. Ben Shultz also had a good day out with three goals next to his name. Ilan Osman kicked two goals and Dylan Heylen and Ben Miller both kicked a major each.
After round 7 Nyora drop down a place to fifth on the ladder, thanks to this result and a win from Neerim Neerim South. Second place remains in the possession of Ellinbank.
Round 8 sees the Eagles host the undefeated Longwarry Crows in what will surely be the match of the weekend. Nyora also have a home game. They play third-placed Poowong.