Eastern Riverina Chronicle – Interleague – Review
THE Hume Football League has enhanced its ranking as the best regional competition in north-east Victoria and southern NSW outside of the Ovens and Murray Football League.
The Hume have now in the last three years beaten the Riverina Football League, Tallangatta, and the O and K to stamp its bragging rights as the strongest league.
In a high standard and entertaining clash it was the brilliance of former AFL star Damian Cupido for Hume that proved the difference.
Cupido, who once kicked five goals for Essendon in the traditional Anzac day clash against Collingwood, booted seven goals in a dominant performance.
His fifth goal midway through the second term was his 1000th goal kicked in his career outside his goals kicked in his 62 matches in the AFL.
Hume led at every change to finally run out winning 18-11-119 to 11-8-74.
Hume also outscored its Victorian opponent in every quarter.
Former Wodonga Raiders and Ovens and Murray representative Steve Jolliffe was awarded best on ground with almost 40 possessions.
The O and K kicked the first goal of the match, but after Cupido booted his second of the match, Hume hit the front and never relinquished it.
The Hume had plenty of speed and run generated off half back with Ryan Speed, Marty Bahr, Dale Cox and Ronnie Boulton burning off their opponents.
Cupido got good support up forward with Myles Aalbers in everything and helped set up several goals.
He and Andrew Mackinlay both kicked two goals.
Peter Hancock had a titanic battle in the ruck against O and K bigman Brent Newton, while Ben Dower was a very handy back up for Hancock.
Hume half backs Josh Gaynor and Tim Haines were outstanding, repelling plenty of O and K attacks and rebounding the ball back into attack for the victors.
Hugh and Jack Amery were solid performers for the visitors, while three time Wangaratta premiership player Daine Porter was excellent.
Hume coach Brent Piltz was delighted with his charges victory.
“The boys have been fantastic from the first training session to the game today,” Piltz said.
“They really enjoyed each other’s company and I think it showed the way they played and enjoyed each other’s success.
“Both emergencies, Darcy I’Anson and Brett Lefoe, ran the water which is a great sign of commitment and dedication,” he said.
The next opponent for Hume is still to be decided with old rivals Tallangatta deciding to not play representative football this year.
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HUME made it a double when the under 18 side completed outclassed the Ovens and King under 19 side.
The powerful combination put on a clinic of powerful midfield work and hard running to come away with a massive 202-point victory.
With 18 of the 22 players having played senior football this season they completely dominated the Green and Whites.
Aidan Johnson was voted best afield with four goals and total ruck dominance.
Forwards Jamieson Bouffler (6) and Eddie Ziebarth (5) ran riot.
Mitch Thomas and Harrison Weaven both kicked three goals as 13 players got on the goal kickers list.
The O and K were kept to just two behinds for the game.
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ROUND seven of the home and away season will recommence this week.
Following round eight in a fortnight the league will have another general bye over June long weekend.
Match of the round looks to be the vital clash between top of the ladder Henty and seventh placed Rand Walbundrie Walla at Walbundrie.
ROUND SEVEN
- Holbrook v Lockhart
- Osborne v CDHBU
- Brock Burrum v Billabong Crows (Burrumbuttock)
- Jindera v Howlong
- Culcairn v Murray Magpies
- Rand Walb Walla v Henty (Walbundrie)
