Border Mail – Round 2 – Review

CULCAIRN have posted their first win of the season, hanging tough against Brock-Burrum in tough conditions.

Round two featured a slew of low-scoring games as teams battled the elements, but it was the Lions who banked the most important four points of the round.

The Saints refused to give in though, and made a ruin in the final quarter, holding Culcairn scoreless.

But it wasn’t enough, with Culcairn’s good work earlier in the game enough for them to hang on to a 10.6.66 for 6.8.44 victory.

After a disappointing loss to Holbrook to open their season, Lions coach Josh Hillary said some home truths had helped the team bounce back.

“We had to bounce back after that round one loss, we were complacent early and took Holbrook too lightly,” he said.

“We got back to basics at home, it was really important for us to rebound from that loss.

“Our first quarter was really good, and the first half set us up for that result.”

Hayden Smith led all scorers with three goals, while Mosese Baleidrokadroka, John  Robbins and Dennis Pedemont each added two of their own.

Hillary said early wins would be crucial in what he believes will be a tight premiership race.

“They were missing Kade Stevens so I think we got them at a good time, but it’ll be important to get early wins,” he said.

“Otherwise, if you get to round six or seven and the win/loss column isn’t in your favour you could be looking down the barrel of missing finals.”

Elsewhere on Saturday, two final quarter goals from Rand-Walbundrie-Walla coach Myles Aalbers enabled the Giants to salvage a draw against Holbrook at Rand.

In horrendous conditions, the Brookers led by 21 points at quarter time with Curtis Steele and Brock Knights in everything.

Steele’s long kicking from defence set up many attacking moves, while Jake Way and David Tassell were also effective.

But the home team gradually worked its way back into the contest with Daniel Lieschke, Tom Simmons and Justin Gordon pivotal.

Holbrook went into the clash with a depleted line-up with Josh Jones, Matt Sharp, Isaac Lampe, Lachie Trethowan and Gus Keogh among the absentees.

The Giants were without Sam Hargreave, Tim Madden and Jeremy Duck.

Henty, Howlong, Jindera and Murray Magpies also picked up the four points in round two.