Eastern Riverina Chronicle – Round 8 – Review

Cupido kicked an incredible eight goals and 10 behinds as his strength, craft and experience spelled trouble all day for the Brookers’ defence.

His combination with fellow forward Jarrah Maksymow (four goals) was the highlight of the ladder leader’s impressive four quarter performance.

Taylor Clark, Shannon Terlich, and the ever-reliable Jimmy Ellis, were some of many contributors in a terrific team effort.

Holbrook tried hard winning the clearances and level on inside fifties, but continually turned the ball over with poor disposal allowing Henty to hurt them on the rebound.

****

CULCAIRN survived a barnstorming finish from Howlong to win a keenly contested match at Howlong by seven points.

The Lions led comfortably at the final change by 33 points, before the Spiders finished with five goals to none to almost pull off a stunning revival.

Dennis Pedemont kicked five goals for the second week running for Culcairn, while John Robbins booted three.

Former Fijian rugby star Moses Baleidrokadroka played one of his best games in his second year at the club, while Tim Hallinan was a star in midfield.

After winning their first three games to start the season Howlong has now lost five in a row despite some improved form in the last fortnight.

****

BROCK Burrum and Lockhart played out a low scoring and scrappy encounter at Lockhart, with the visitors winning by 21 points.

Not often does six goals win you matches in fine sunny conditions, but on this occasion, it was enough for the second placed Saints to get home.

Lockhart paid the price for not scoring in both the second and final quarters to remain without a win after eight rounds.

Kade Garland played his best match for the Saints since joining them in round three from Lavington, while fellow O and M star Matt Seiter was outstanding.

The match featured the return of Saints coach Kade Stevens for just his second match of the season after a hand injury in round one.

****

OSBORNE boosted its percentage with its sixth straight win over Billabong Crows, winning by 99 points at Oaklands.

The defending premiers have not looked back after its two losses to start the season and are setting themselves for a tilt at the top two.

Interleague players Connor Galvin (five goals) and Marty Bahr (four goals) were a constant menace all day for the Crows defence.

The Crows after hanging tough in the first half could not contain the cats in the second half despite the efforts of Dom Buntin and Sam Herzich.

****

RAND Walbundrie Walla fought back from a disappointing first half to run over the Murray Magpies at Urana Road, Lavington by 33 points.

With Giants missing coach Myles Aalbers they found themselves trailing by 15 points at half-time in a must win match.

Daniel Maher and Ash Murray were in great touch for the Pies with seven goals between them, while Alex Popko was dominating.

The Giants however answered the challenge with an excellent eight goals to one final half to keep alive its finals chances.

Kris Milosta booted four goals in his first senior appearance for the year, while Brian Lieschke and Justin Gordon played superbly.

****

JINDERA survived a huge scare against the tenacious CDHBU who have pushed several top six teams over the last month.

CDHBU looked like backing up last year’s upset win over the Bulldogs when they led by three goals in the second quarter.

The Bulldogs however responded in match winning fashion by booting eight of the next 10 goals to turn it around with Trent Castles kicking a game total of six.

Jindera bigman Michael D’Arcy was best on ground, well supported by Jacob Millar and Ryan Speed.

Russell Anderson was a workhorse for the Power, along with Cal Butler.

NEXT WEEK ROUND NINE

• Brock Burrum v Holbrook (Burrumbuttock)
• Culcairn v CDHBU
• Henty v Murray Magpies
• Jindera v Billabong Crows
• Osborne v Lockhart
• Rand Walb Walla v Howlong