Scoreboard belies Bombers’ fight
STARVED of success in a difficult season, Nilma-Darnum showed their most positive signs yet despite the scoreboard showing a big win to Lang Lang, 22-15 (147) to 4-5 (29).
The Bombers took two quarters from the Tigers, including a low scoring first term where both sides scored one goal apiece as Bombers fans dared to dream.
With a spot in the top five on the line, Lang Lang had too much to play for and hopes were dashed when the Tigers put on 11 goals in the second term to take control of the contest.
Daniel Lewis was proving difficult to contain on the way to an eight-goal haul, helping the home side to a 12-5 to 1-2 lead at the long break.
Not to be discouraged, the Bombers put in another gallant effort in the third term, booting three goals to one to win the quarter.
Nathan Campbell, Nick Carrigy, Oxley Huson, Matthew Clynes, Rhonan Perry and Boeden Fries led the competitive effort.
The Tigers again took full toll in the final term, adding eight goals to blow out the score to a margin not indicative of the Bombers' overall effort.
Mitchell Tribuzi and Tyler Guan each chipped in with three goals with Brody Leitch, Aaron Rose and Jesse Hand also among the better players for the Tigers.
TRAFALGAR did as expected and secured a strong win over Catani to move a step closer to securing the double chance.
The Bloods kicked to the scoring end to open proceedings and took full advantage, booting five goals to open an early margin on the way to winning 13-18 (96) to 2-3 (15).
Having their turn in the second term, the Blues struggled to score as each side added one major heading into the long break.
Trafalgar accelerated again in the third adding another six goals before finishing with the only goal of the fourth quarter as the contest came to a dour close.
Damian Mann proved the main target for the Bloods, finishing with eight goals, while Klay Butler chipped in with three majors.
Austin Byrne, Chris Kyriacou, Blake Slater and Mitch Virtue were also prominent.
Catani were best served by Chris Power, James Williams, Jack Hobson, Coby Podd, Riley McDonald and Josh Miller.
NYORA took another step forward, coming away with a comfortable win over mid-table rival Yarragon at home.
Despite being challenged at stages, the Saints were able to kick away when the opportunity presented to win 13-12 (90) to 5-11 (41).
Heading into the first break leading by just six-points, the Saints added six goals in the second term to open a handy 40-point buffer.
The Panthers hit back in the third term, three goals to one reducing the margin to 25-points and provide some fleeting hope.
Devin Pollock, Taylor Rainey, Tyler Hotchkin, Harrison Perry and Bradley Morgan led the way as the visitor fought their way back into the contest.
Travis Stewart, Scott Pugh, Kallon Rigby, Jesse Heylen, Adam Pugh and Dylan Heylen were the better players as the Saints finished strongly, adding four final quarter goals while conceding just four behinds.