Bankers fight for Nyora win
ELLINBANK further consolidated its place in the Ellinbank District football top five, but it didn't come without its challenges against a determined Nyora side.
Facing a significant deficit at half time, the Saints rallied to kick four of the last five goals to put some respectability into the score in going down 11-9 (75) to 6-6 (42).
Nyora held firm early despite Ellinbank dominating the territory.
It wasn't until mid-way through the first term until the home side had their first major, Anthony Battista reading the drop of the ball best from a Saints kick from defence to mark and goal.
Shaun Phelan found Michael Urie running back towards goal for a snap from the top of the square to make it two quick goals, but the Saints were able to hold firm again and keep the margin to just 16 points at the first change.
A six goal second term would ultimately open the flood gates and give the Eagles a handy buffer heading into half time.
The Eagles began the term with a methodical approach, working back to go forward, and it paid dividends with a mark and goal from coach Ben Wragg.
A free kick to Daniel Risol set up a snap from the pocket and the Eagles had the first four.
Any threat of the Eagles running away with it were momentarily dispelled as Scott Pugh and Travis Stewart combined to find a way through, finding Ben Lineham in the pocket who converted the set shot.
Ellinbank had the quick answer with Wragg roving and snapping, his movement appearing unrestricted despite sporting a knee brace.
The Eagles had another through a soccer shot before Wragg brought the ball to ground to allow for another roved shot and three goals in quick succession.
Some loose checking allowed Jack Champion to find Zach Holton as the Eagles finished their work to head into half time with a 45-point advantage.
Any chances of a blowout were quickly dispelled as the Saints rallied in the second half.
With the Saints' cause aided by an Ellinbank send off early in the third term, the home side lifted their work rate and were able to hold firm.
It allowed the Saints to rebound with relative ease, as Ellinbank forwards were often opposed to two, but the visitor still found opportunities hard to come by.
Their at times luckless season was summed up when multiple Nyora players lost sight of the ball on the wing due to the setting sun, allowing Phelan to chip over to Wragg for the easiest of goals from the square despite the disadvantage in numbers.
Gaige White linked up with Jake Dean, who in turn found Daniel Pratt whose long shot cleared the line for the Eagles' 10th.
While the Saints had not been able to gain an advantage, the question loomed ahead of the final change whether the Eagles would continue their merry way, or if they had tired.
The Saints converted from the pocket in the dying stages of the third term, and it would spark a run of momentum to see the Saints finish with five of the final six goals.
The Saints cut off an inboard kick to find Pugh running at goal, Sam Dixon marked from a repeat entry before Pugh snapped from the top of the square to make it four on the trot.
Ellinbank were able to stop the rot with a flying shot from the pack.
While Pugh proved beneficiary of a double 50-metre penalty, the sting had gone out of the contest as the Eagles finished with a comfortable victory.