East march home
Morwell East not only christened their new scoreboard with a win but also knocked Mirboo North from top to fourth while gaining second position on the ladder, winning 12-10 (82) to 109 (69).
It was a record-producing match where the East had their first win over Mirboo North since 2010 and over their past two matches have beaten top four favourites.
Mirboo North went into the match without some of their established players who have been the backbone of the team in earlier matches. They started off better than the East who at times played poorly with disposal problems.
The cold conditions hampered good football but the action was going to get hot over the next three quarters.
A slow start by the East wasn’t to show what would happen after the first break. Mirboo North established an early break in the first quarter and went to a 16-point lead at the first break.
Supporters at the huddle were urging the East on but coach Colin King was more respectful to his team and implored them to man up and make Mirboo North do the chasing.
As the second quarter unfolded Morwell East started to play more sensible football, they looked for each other and in the conditions made the breeze work for them.
Shaun Barnes was in everything up forward and experienced Paul Henry was getting plenty of possessions.
The East attacked relentlessly and were rewarded with an excellent quarter where they added 7-2 to Mirboo North’s 1-3 to go to a half time lead of 19 points.
At half time Mirboo North supporters were not happy with the free kick count and vented their anger (14-2 Morwell East’s way).
Mirboo North came out firing after half time with Dwayne Gunn and Josh Taylor picking up possessions. Goals to James Allan and Cameron Le Page brought the Tigers back into the match but Morwell East sharpened their talons and dug in to protect their lead.
By three quarter the East still held sway but Mirboo North had got within six points at the break.
It was game on in the last quarter as the skies got darker the game was evenly contested, Morwell East’s Andrew Brown who was one of the best big men on the ground took telling marks which held out an advancing Tiger camp.
It was goal for goal but Mirboo North couldn’t break Morwell East’s stranglehold on the game and the East came marching home.