Eastern Riverina Chronicle – Semi Finals – Review

In a showdown of two heavyweights, it was the Saints who powered home to cause the upset and send Henty into this week’s preliminary final.

Henty were left a player short for the second half when Jarrah Maksymow left the match in mysterious circumstances.

Maksymow, who had played a starring role in the Swampies’ first half, left spectators and players surprised with his non-appearance after the half-time break.

Whilst there was plenty happening off the field, the on-field action was top notch with the opening quarter producing 11 goals.

Nick Brockley (Brock-Burrum) and Damian Cupido (Henty) both booted three goals each for the quarter in a genuine shoot out.

Cupido however did not add another goal for the game as Saints defender Jeremy Luff did a brilliant job in curbing the star forward.

Brockley kicked another two to finish with five, while Josh McCudden darted in for three valuable goals.

The Saints’ 15-point half-time lead was a great reward for hard work across the ground and it was a situation that they completed in the next two quarters.

Wingman John Roy-Williams was best for the Saints with a blistering performance over the four quarters with Henty having no answer to his pace and carry.

Matt Seiter who was suspended for two matches from the home and away clash with Henty in round 10 played a superb role supporting Luff.

The former Morris Medalist in the Ovens and Murray Football League had a great battle with Swampies ruckman Chris Willis, who was one of Henty’s best.

The Saints have now won nine matches in a row and with Azzi Medalist Luke Schilg still to come into the side they are in a strong position to take out the premiership.

The Swampies were still in the contest late in the third term trailing by just 13 points, before two late goals from McCudden and Ron Boulton gave the Saints a huge boost.

Daniel Cox was outstanding for the Swampies in the centre and will be a big chance in tonight’s Azzi Medal count at the Henty Community Club.

The game was played before a massive crowd that paid over $19,500 at the gate with the attendance around 3000 people.

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JINDERA progressed to a preliminary final clash against Henty after they wore down Holbrook in an entertaining clash at Walbundrie on Sunday.

The Bulldogs stormed home with a seven-goal last quarter to win by 22 points after trailing at every change in a bruising encounter.

After scoring the first point of the game, Jindera were put under enormous pressure from Holbrook who kicked five goals to lead by 32 points at quarter time.

With a breeze blowing to the Lockhart end Jindera responded superbly in the second to also kick five straight goals to level the scores after 15 minutes.

The Brookers responded in excellent fashion to kick the next three before Jindera goaled to reduce the half-time deficit to 12 points.

The third quarter was a see-sawing battle with Jindera taking back a bit of momentum to reduce the margin at the final change to just five points as the wind dropped.

Holbrook kicked an early goal to stretch the lead to 11 points. The Bulldogs then hit back with three goals to grab the lead which they never relinquished.

A goal to Curtis Steele for Holbrook reduced the margin to 10 points with just four minutes to play before Trent Castles and Dylan Pettingill goaled to seal a well-deserved victory.

Trent Castles was a constant threat with five goals after a quiet start for Jindera, while Andrew Mackinlay was just as dangerous with four goals for Holbrook.

Harrison Weaven and Jessie Harris were terrific down back for the Bulldogs with midfielders Dan Middleton and Sam Myors also impacting.

Brookers Matt Sharp and Andrew Taylor continued their good finals form, while Curtis Steele and Brad Carman both starred before succumbing to hamstring complaints late.

Holbrook lost Duncan Trethowan in the first few minutes and was transported to hospital via Ambulance. His brother Lachie kicked three goals in a good effort.

The scene is now set for a massive preliminary final with Henty keen to bounce back from last Saturday’s loss and Jindera looking for a third straight finals berth.

The game has a mouthwatering edge to it with the leagues two leading goalkickers Damian Cupido on 111 goals and Trent Castles on 105 set for a shoot out.

Preliminary Final Day

• 1st Grade – Henty v Jindera
• 2nd Grade – Brock Burrum v Rand Walbundrie Walla
• Und 17 – Jindera v Osborne
• Und 14 – Osborne v Rand Walbundrie Walla