Round 1 – 2019 – Review
HOWLONG overcame a tenacious Rand-Walbundrie-Walla to post a hard-fought 15 point win at Rand on Saturday.
The Spiders led by two goals at the main break with the class of Matt McDonald, Peter Hancock and Azzi medallist Steve Jolliffe the biggest difference.
Giants Daniel Lieschke, Matt Wegener and recruit Jack Duck lifted their work rate in the third term as the home side fought back to be within five points at the final change.
The blustery conditions made scoring difficult, with the Spiders kicking 1.5 to a solitary point in the final term to eventually win 9.15 (69) to 7.12 (54).
Howlong coach Beau Packer was happy to escape with the four points.
“It was a tough match and fairly physical,” Packer said.
A JARED Brennan masterclass helped Henty to a thrilling 15-point victory over Holbrook in the opening round at Holbrook on Saturday.
Workhorse Harry Nunn, first-gamer Kim Kantilla and youngster Taylor Clark also played key roles in the victory.
Coach Joel Price was relieved to come away with the points.
“We were pretty scratchy to be honest and lucky to get away with it,” Price said.
“Full credit to Holbrook as they really impressed us.
“Their midfield worked for each other and I think they are going to give a lot of sides a run for their money this season.”
In the end it was Henty’s big names who stood up.
Brennan thrived in the midfield when the pressure was applied and Damian Cupido kicked two of his three goals late after being held early by Aaron Baker.
“I thought Jared Brennan was unbelievable,” Price said.
“He was best on ground by a mile.
“Some of the things he did were phenomenal.
“Matt Sharp played a great game for Holbrook, but I thought Brennan was fantastic.”
Henty loaded up its attack early with Cupido, Dan Leslie and Chris Willis inside 50 metres but the Swampies were forced to make changes with Sharp, Baker, Andrew Dess, Isaac Lampe and Andrew Taylor playing well.
Osborne coach Matt Rava credited his side’s accuracy for edging out Culcairn by 23 points at Osborne.
George Alexander contributed two goals playing across half-forward in his comeback match from a serious leg injury.
Veteran Hayden Gleeson was given the task of playing on Culcairn star Adam Prior with the Lion spearhead kicking four goals.
“Both teams were a bit on and off but we probably managed to capitalise a little better when we had the momentum,” Rava said.
“They got some momentum but let us off the hook.”
Culcairn were best served by Ben Gould, youngster Riley Knobel and Jye Shields.
Brock-Burrum defeated a gallant Jindera by 15 points.
Star recruit Bronson Schofield dominated in Billabong Crows’ win over CDHBU and Lockhart trounced Murray Magpies.
