Eagles keep unbeaten start
Ellinbank kept its unbeaten start to the season going, but were made to work hard against a determined Nyora side.
The Eagles dominated the first quarter, slamming through eight goals to two, but to the Saints credit they fought back into the contest and were in the game until the very end.
Five goals to one in the second term put the Saints back in the contest, and while they matched it with their more fancied opponents in the second half, the quarter time margin ultimately proved too great to chase.
In a scare, the match was delayed in the third term after Ellinbank’s Ash Wallace landed awkwardly. Ten minutes was taken off the clock in the quarter. Wallace was taken to Dandenong hospital but discharged with the all clear that night.
The Saints have been a better side at home this season, and Saturday proved no exception with an honourable loss to one of the competition’s front runners, going down 15-10 (100) to 12-9 (81).
Matt Barrand continued his good form in front of goal for Ellinbank, booting six goals. Other prominent players were coach Ben Wragg, Michael Pandolfo, Shaun Phelan, Cameron Parker and Tim Mashado.
Ilan Osman and Tomas Mayo each kicked three goals for Nyora.
Dylan Heylen, Nick Carrigy, Kallon Rigby, Tim Burns and Jesse Heylen also kept the Saints in the game.
Eagles strong winners
Ellinbank were strong winners in the Reserves, winning 17-9 (111) to 5-3 (33).
The Eagles booted five goals to one in the first term and were never headed, building a strong lead to threequarter-time.
The Saints fared better in the final term, matching it with the Eagles but the damage had been done.
Brad Glover booted six goals for the Eagles. Other prominent players were Jeremy Reid, Jake Harper, Nicholas Harper, Daniel Burke and Kris Stephens.
Nyora were best served by Ashley Meade, Dylan Anderson, Hayden Watson, Austin Gurnett, Pierre Dunlevie and Daniel Vivian.