Blues prove credentials
Rob Popplestone
by
Close encounters were the order of the day in round two of Mid Gippsland footy on Saturday.
The wraps on Thorpdale prior to the season were huge. However, after the Blues managed to fall over the line in a one-point thriller in the opening round, the jury was still out.
On the weekend, the verdict was delivered the Blues are good.
After the scores were locked at quarter time and the Demons led by eight points at halftime, Thorpdale won a tough game, 9.10-64 to 8.8-56.
Thorpdale coach Jason Winderlich said it took a good even spread of 21 contributors to get the job done.
Boolarra are not far off the pace, winning two quarters and drawing a third. But, the third term let them down.
Boolarra coach Brendan Mason said his boys fell on the wrong side of the result after a good game of footy.
“We had our chances to win the game, but the Thorpdale guys took theirs and were too good in the end,” Mason said.
Both sides should be commended on the spirit in which the game was played. Fierce at the ball and well organised, they have game styles to trouble opposition.
Thorpdale v Boolarra Toora v Hill End
With most pundits predicting these two teams might not play finals, any opportunity for victory will be jumped on.
On their home deck, Toora toughed out the first 60 minutes before breaking away for a comfortable 15.16-106 to 6.6-36 win.
Toora coach Jack Weston said it was an arm wrestle early.
“But our discipline to set the ground for four quarters, opened the game up for us in the second half,” Weston said.
Prior to the season, Hill End coach Ambu Uliando predicted his team would be capable of staying with teams early, but running games out might be an issue.
Uliando said it was a “disappointing second half for us to let Toora kick away with it”.
“Our movement and positioning was good, but simple skill errors and execution let us down in the end,” he said.
Having suffered a few injuries on Saturday, the next few rounds will test Hill End’s depth.
If they can put together four quarters, they can - and will - really trouble teams.
Tarwin v MDU
Bouncing back from a one-point loss, the Demons won a tight tussle over the Sharks, 7.20-62 to 7.10-52.
MDU’s kicking for goal was the most pressing issue in an impressive performance.
“Tarwin came out with the energy and intensity you would expect for their first game of the season,” MDU coach Nathan Allen said. “They played a tough brand of footy and made things hard for us. Our pressure and ability to turn the ball over in our front half, gave us enough opportunities to eventually make it count on the scoreboard.”
He added, “there may be a bit of goal kicking practice over the next couple of weeks”.
“It was a solid first hit-out,” Tarwin coach Jason Kennedy said. “We put in a solid effort but, in the end, was tough to hold on after being down to one on the bench in the second quarter.”
Newborough v Yinnar
The Bulldogs in front of a healthy home crowd and wearing their Anzac jumpers were always going to be a force.
They proved that, winning 12.9-81 to 11.1076.
Newborough coach Craig Skinner said Yinnar were “frothing from the first bounce”, kicking five goals before his side could get hands on the ball.
“Our middle two quarters were better, but we kicked points and Yinnar kicked goals,” Skinner said. “A few changes and expectations in front of the top Dog crowd at three-quarter time, gave us belief. And, when you have that you become dangerous.”
The away side led by better than four goals at quarter time. However, that lead was reduced to 16 points at the main break.
Yinnar looked likely victors after grabbing control in the third quarter to lead by 31.
Yinnar coach Sam McCulloch said he was pleased with his group’s commitment.
“Newborough we see as a yard stick early on this season, so we are taking the positives out of the game and learning from our mistakes throughout the final quarter,” McCulloch said.
Mirboo North v Foster
The Tigers teams battled under lights in front of a healthy crowd, with the visiting Foster winning 10.10-70 to 4.5-29.
Foster assumed control early in the night, leading by 13 points at quarter time and building on that lead as the game unfolded.
Foster coach Sam Davies praised the positive response from his group.
“Never easy playing under lights, so I’m happy we won all four quarters,” Davies said.
Despite the loss, Mirboo North coach Damian Turner said the night game was a success, with huge numbers through the gate.
“We showed some really strong patches of football, and improved in some areas we identified,” Turner said. “But, the small lapses from us coupled with Foster’s experience, got us in the end.”
Stony Creek v Morwell East
Playing a second consecutive away game, Morwell East started well to win, 13.14-92 to 7.9-51.
“We had a dominant first quarter, having 11 scoring shots to four,” Morwell East coach Paul Henry said. “The lead was set early and we increased that at every change. Stoney kept coming, but so did we.”
Stony Creek coach Chris Verboon said his group were on the back foot after conceding five early goals.
“They move the ball well on the open side of the ground and set up well defensively,” Verboon said. “We went away from how we want to play, which happens when you are put under pressure. Bit of a reality check for us early will be a good thing.”
Bye: Fish Creek.