Border Mail – Round 3 Review

MURRAY Magpies full-forward Ash Murray kicked four goals in 10 minutes early in the final quarter to propel his team to a surprise one-point win over Holbrook at Holbrook on Saturday.

Murray’s burst proved just enough for the Magpies as the Brookers charged home with the final four goals of the match to fall just short.

Coach Phil Packer said the win was good for self-belief.

“We think we are going to be around the mark and this will give the boys some confidence.

“Obviously Ash Murray broke it open for us but some of the younger blokes showed some really good signs as well.

“It was good to hold on after letting it slip.”

Murray capped off a best afield performance with seven goals while Rhys Pretious, Josh Senior and Brady Skates were also prominent.

Holbrook’s Brad and Luke Carman and Sam Harris were strong contributors.

Henty stamped itself as a genuine premiership contender with a 36-point win over Jindera at Jindera.

Swampie spearhead Damian Cupido toyed with the home team’s defence to kick seven goals while fellow recruits Dale and Daniel Cox provided dash and class.

Big Chris Willis continued his strong start to the season in the ruck.

Jindera stayed in the game for three quarters but fell away badly with Trent Castles playing a lone hand with seven goals.

The Bulldogs have lost two of their opening three matches and take on Culcairn in a vital clash at Culcairn this weekend.

Azzi medallist Luke Schilg made a surprise appearance in Brock-Burrum’s 10-point win over Rand-Walbundrie-Walla at Brocklesby.

Schilg kicked three goals as the home team ran down its opponents by kicking five goals to two after half-time.

Youngster Aidan Johnson was strong in the ruck and up forward while Shannon Boers and Darcy I’Anson were also effective.

The Giants, who finished without a bench, were best served by Brendan Simmons and Chris Hutchinson.

CDHBU edged out neighbours Billabong Crows by three points at Oaklands.

The Crows led by 20 points at the last change but were unable to hold off their opponents with Russell Anderson, Callum Butler and John Webb pivotal in the comeback.

Al Austin had a chance to restore order but missed a set shot in the final minute.

Osborne opened its winning account with a 49-point win over Culcairn.

Declan O’Rourke underlined his status as one of the recruits of the season with another strong performance with support coming from Marty Bahr and Connor Galvin.

Caleb Simmonds was best for the Lions.

Howlong defeated Lockhart by 28 points.

Despite missing Matt McDonald and Jay Koehler, the Spiders won through the efforts of Peter Hancock and Manny Hughes.