Border Mail – Round 5 – Review
CULCAIRN put its season back on track with a thrilling nine-point victory over ladder leader Henty at Culcairn on Saturday.
“We needed to take a scalp after a couple of tough weeks,” Hillary said.
“Our start to the season has been indifferent and we had to beat a top echelon team to stay in touch.
“I thought our defensive pressure on their back six was really good and thankfully we were able to win because it’s such a tight competition.
“Our challenge now is to win two games in a row.”
Culcairn gained plenty of drive from Jye Shields while Jesse Sutherland, Ben Gould and Dane and Tim Hallinan were also effective.
The Lions were pleased with veteran Drue Mortlock’s performance in holding star Swampie Damian Cupido to six majors.
Henty centreman Daniel Cox was electrifying at stages with the home team opting to use Caleb Simmonds on him.
“Cox is a jet,” Hillary said.
“He’s a gun.
“Caleb Simmonds has been our best for a few weeks in a row and we thought he played well again.”
Henty lost Heath Ohlin in the second quarter with a knee injury and went into the clash without Joel Price, Dylan Hore, Taylor Clark and Daniel Smith.
Price said the Lions were cleaner with the ball.
“I thought the difference between the sides was their ball use was better,” Price said.
Jindera edged out Rand-Walbundrie-Walla by a point in a dour affair at Jindera.
Only two goals were kicked in the first-half before the match opened up with Bulldog youngster Dylan Pettingill’s class through the midfield proving telling.
Tim Darcy, Matt Osborne and Daniel Middleton were also instrumental in the home team fighting back from an 18-point deficit during the third quarter.
Giants coach Myles Aalbers had a shot from 50 metres in the final minutes but the ball was touched on the ball.
Blake Lieschke and Jeremy Duck were lively for the visitors while Brian Lieschke held Trent Castles to three majors.
Holbrook’s Brad Carman kicked a late goal to get the Brookers over the line against CDHBU by five points at Holbrook.
Little separated the teams throughout the day with Sam Harris, Alec Sullivan, Carman and Josh Jones playing key roles in the win.
Tim Cooper and Ryan Mills were best for the Power.
Brock-Burrum hammered Howlong by 60 points.
Nico Sedgwick was in everything for the Saints while Darcy I’Anson and Eddie Ziebarth also turned in good showings.
Peter Hancock and Toby Pargeter tried hard for Howlong.
Billabong Crows edged out Lockhart by a point with Callum Dunstan and Zach Kerr decisive for the winners.
Michael O’Riordan proved a handful in attack.
Osborne defeated Murray Magpies by 86 points.
