Eagles go down in a thriller
The match-up between Ellinbank and Neerim Neerim South saw the closest game of the round, with the Eagles going down by just one point at Neerim South on Saturday. The final scoreline was almost dead equal – 8.9-57 to 8.8-56.
Neerim Neerim South came firing out of the gates in the first term. The Cats kicked four goals five in that opening quarter while the Eagles kicked half that score – two majors and one behind for the quarter. But it was the Eagles’ turn to fly in the second term.
Ellinbank more than made up for their first term deficit by kicking four goals three before the main break, all the while keeping their hosts to just two behinds.
The first half finished with the Eagles in front – 4.7-31 to 6.4-40. The third term saw more of that Ellinbank dominance, with the Eagles putting a big four goals two on the scoreboard.
In response, the Neerim Neerim South forwards found the main target three times, bring their scoreline to 7.7-49 as they entered the final term. The Eagles sat on 8.6-54.
An eventful final term saw a hard-defensive effort from both sides. The Eagles did not kick a major in the fourth quarter but added two behinds to their tally.
Neerim Neerim South got lucky with two majors, bringing their fulltime tally to 8.9-57. The Eagles just missed out on the win, finishing the day on 8.85-56.
Despite the loss, Ellinbank remains the top side in the competition and keeps their number one spot on the ladder. Neerim Neerim South’s position also remains unchanged and they stay in fifth spot.
Neerim Neerim South will play bottom side Nilma Darnum on Saturday in their round 16 clash. The Eagles are set to take on fourthplaced Nyora at home.