Round 3 AA vs GEB The always dangerous Barracudas visited Ararat last week to continue their perennially-tight tussle. As is often the case, ex Armadillo Isaac Smith performed well against his old side by peeling off a 104. Sadly his Geelong brethren couldnt muster the same results, save Cam Guthrie (116), as Hawkins (23) and Tuohy (85) werent that interested. Rhys Stanley cared so little for the clash he missed the charter flight altogether, with Jamie Cripps (11) filling in OOP prior to breaking one of his appendages and retiring for the day. There were murmurs that a bout of gastro ran through the Cuda's, as even the dependable's failed to hit their lofty standards. McGovern (48), Lloyd (93), Bontempelli (89), Zorko (68) and Berry (66) are usually those who save the day, however with their aforementioned affliction and them shitting through the eye of a needle, Groote Eylandt only managed 1143 for the weekend. The rocket was put up many from home side after some questionable efforts to start the year, and the majority responded. Jackson (98), Stewart (167), Rozee (126) and Treloar (116) showed great heart and commitment to the Armadillo cause. Walker (55), Rowell (77), Rowbottom (64), Stephens (69) and Soligo (64) still have a way to go to prove their spots in the team, with the likes of Jack Higgins, Gryan Miers and Tom McDonald performing well in the reserves. Final result: AA 1336 def GEB 1143 Thank you to the gentleman @YAD69 for understanding the delay due to a very boozy easter
Bunyips 1117 def by Barcrawlers 1309 @choppers The Bunyips were hopeful to get a W this week, but as usual came up shockingly short. A dominate performance by the Barcrawlers reminded the home team that everyone needed to step up. Tall forwards Silvagni and Ugle-Hagan were absolutely dominated by Dawson (173) who decided to man them both and managed to outscore them combined by almost 50 points. Only Charlie managed to sneak in and around the goals to kick a bag and score a handy 110. Both midfields where quite underwhelming with only LDU managing to crack a ton. ROB (70) was shutdown by the unlikely Ladhams (113) to take the biccies and Big Tap point this week. The mounting pressure in Blanchetown on the coaching staff is reaching fever pitch with alternate coaching options now being looked at. Sam Mitchell is the front runner to replace coach Marty as the board believes he couldn't possibly do any worse! The Bunyips are hoping home town hero S Walsh is available this week as he has been "training the house down" and is keen to get the team back on track. Next week the Bunyips are travelling overseas to take on the Monarchs whilst the Barcrawlers host the Armadillos. BOG - Dawson - 3 Dale - 2 Collins - 1 Big Tap - Ladhams
The Barracuda's finish on 1,374/15 91.6 defeating the Prospectors on 1,047/15 69.8 Back on home turf and with Stanley back the Cuda’s confidence rose. The visitors have been solid so far; however the coach is looking for more on the road. In defence, Lloydy was outstanding with 24 disposals, Weitering did a job on Larky, Aiden Corr played the key defender while Tuohy was the lose man but wasn't needed. Stanley was back, started slowly, pushed out 26 hit outs. The Bont was on fire, 25 disposals and 12 tackles. Corn Boy Cripps also racked up the disposals. Buzz cut Guthrie had 20 touches while Jarrod flavoured Berry ran off the wing. Up forward Tomahawk worked a lot harder than last week, booting 2 goals with 10 marks. Errol rotated through the midfield with the Magnificent Zorko and AstroNaught played deep kicking 3. Off the bench, Smith was loping off the wing, working hard around the stoppages and Lewis Young was excellent rotating out of defence with 18 disposals by foot. The visitors were terrible up forward, Larky got smashed by Weitering with just 2 handballs, copped a knock to the right hip in Q1. Bruhn was a late axing however; Darcy Fort missed the trip to the Eylandt. First year player Davey still getting use to the pace, also had his shoulder attended to in Q3. Waterman was the only one looking like he knew what he was doing. The Big O, smashed his way to 43 hit outs, however most were sharked by the home team. Aliir took 5 big marks and milked 4 frees. Hunter Clark cycled though the midfield with 27 touches, Sicily was on Tomahawk and kept a lid on his scoring. Heppell was a late in, only started in Q2. Touk Miller was a ball magnet, had plenty of the pig skin with 36 touches, Serong had some nice tackles. O’Meara worked hard under the packs and Wines was unusually slow plus gave away 3 critical frees. For the home team to take the 4 points is a confidence booster after being Armadillo’d and coach @JPK asked, no demanded better but was left with red faced, literally. BOG – The Bont (GEB), Touk (CP) & Lloydy (GEB)
If someone can open up TSLeagues in the morning, I can post my Rd5 team early, as my wife and I are heading up north to her hometown, about 50klms from the Laos border, for the Thai New Year and where it's 40C and 28C minimum, and the internet is not very reliable.....hope to be back before Rd6.... Thanks
Hughenden Prairie Dogs 1,177 DEF King Island Monarchs 1,172 In a saw sawing, bunny munching, chocolate eating frenzy, the home team won by a mere 5 points. Both teams would be pleased with the efforts of some and disappointed in others. The home team finally saw Ratugolea (88) provide a match winning performance in the ruck albeit against a stand in ruck of O’Connor (42) by providing plenty of supply to Oliver (121), Mills (87) and Ward (85) with the Monarch’s Macrae (103) and Green (99) able to shark some of the leather. Down back the Monarchs dominated with plenty of rebound from Impey (108) and Redman (128) but it was the forwards that just couldn’t execute with only Fisher (83) showing something. Off the bench Haynes (117) did his bit but it wasn’t enough with the Hughenden forwards able to make the best of the opportunities with Rayner (121), Thilthorpe (87) and Langford (78) doing the damage. Hughenden were lucky the easter egg munching Jordon (24) finally made an appearance in the final quarter after realising he was playing and not IQ (89), almost a costly mistake and will be reviewed at the coaching table this week before taking on the Crocs at home. King Island are back at home against the Bunyips who will be looking for their first win. It was a game of highs and lows but it was Hughenden who held on for it’s second win of the season and hopes of making the finals in 2023. 3 Redman – Monarchs (128) 2 Oliver – Hughenden (121) 2 Rayner - Hughenden (121) BIG TAP Hughenden’s Ratugolea (88) easy winner over an out of position O’Connor (42) @Tylo
What a stunning result!!! Sorry I didn’t give more updates, was away with the family for Easter. I’ll sort out a match report, but well done on a defensive masterclass!
Final result from the Horsham V Ararat match with the Armadillos running out 206 point winners (1221 vs 1015), as the Huskies injury list continues to grow, now claiming Jarrod Witts. The Armadillos added depth to their squad during the off-season, with Michalanney, Sonsie and Cumberland covering emergency positions, and most of those names must be close to getting a run on-field too. The Huskies recruits were already playing onfield, with Doedee, Papley and Williams being solid, if not spectacular. Without Witts, it was McGovern (124) and Holmes (115) who lead the way for the Huskies. Andrews (87), Bailey (83) and Gresham (82) contributed solidly, but underwhelming scores elsewhere left the Huskies well short of a competitive total. Ararat's defence was excellent with McDonald (117), Ryan (111), Blakey (106) and Stewart (92) all far too good for the Huskies attack. Brayshaw (114) and Jackson (107) dominated in midfield. Horsham are now 1-3 and sitting 14th, whilst Ararat are 4-0, sitting 2nd and with one eye on August already. BAFFU 3 votes - M McGovern (HH) 2 votes - L McDonald (AA) 1 vote - M Holmes (HH) Big Tap L Jackson (AA) won unopposed. Next round Horsham makes it's first trip to Carnamah and Ararat travel to Banchang.
Match report Pakenham v Serengeti The home fans were excited to finally have their taste of footy, after a reasonably good start to the year the fans couldn’t wait to welcome the Buff. Unfortunately the excitement didn’t last with the Buff 1299 defeating the Parasites 1277 Team selection again was the main factor in the Parasites recording their 2nd loss of the season, 2 weeks in a row the team was left wanting with big scores left in the paddock. It’s fair to say the selectors job is on the line this week. The Buffalos showed why they are a formidable force with great scores from J Cameron 156, Dangers 119, Merrett 111, Kelly 108 and Sadd 104, they were also served well by May 94, Ridley 88, Parish 98 and Greene 91 Overall a solid performance from Serengeti, contributors all over the ground. The coach would be happy The Parasites played hard with great scores from Anderson 134, Rivers 124 and Sinclair 113 also decent efforts from Gaff 98, Big Row 96 and Butters 89 The Coach was fuming that Owens was left out of the team 2 weeks in a row, the young fella showed up the selectors with a monster game working his way into selection for this week All and all it was a great game with scores close all day. In the end the better team won The big Tap was won by Big Row 96 defeating Lycett 77 BOG 3. Cameron 156, 2. Anderson 134, 1. Rivers 124
Cow Bay 1,250 def Staghorn Flat 1,139 After two home victories in a row, the mayor of Cow Bay declared several public holidays this week. the journos and printing presses weren't back online up until today causing a delay to the coverage of last weekend's victory. The day started with Taranto (114) and DeGoey (107) gathering plenty of clearances from young ruck Williams (76) who was beaten by his more seasoned counterpart. Rankine (112) starred up forward and was well supported by Moore (89). Noble (93) and Clark (90) stood up well down back but it was yet another god like effort from the young messiah Sheezus (111) that got the town talking about commissioning a statue of Harry in the town centre. The Staghorn players can expect a mighty hard whipping from the coach with Parker (100) the only player to hit triple figures. Nank (97) did his best to win the hit out battle and youngster Ward (96) impressed off the bench but deplorable efforts from Gunston (27), Lynch (39) and Newcombe (54) did plenty to frustrate the visiting coach. Big Tap Williams (76) def by Nankervis (97) BAFFU 3 Taranto, COW, 114 2 Rankine, COW, 112 1 Sheezel, COW, 111 The loss gave the Bulls a 1-3 start to the season and kept the team in 12th spot. This weekend they'll be hosting the Smugglers from Xmas Island. The win gave the Crocs an even ledger and moved the team up to 9th place. This weekend Cow Bay is taking an 8 hour bus ride south to Hughenden. @tyze1
Early update from Mill Park sees @DamoH 's Smugglers out to an early lead as the Bulls deployed Sholl into the ruck, andthe Smugglers Pittonet being subbed early. SFB 37.5/1 CIS 225/4
Early stages in Carnamah and a welcome return from the Fog has been the highlight so far Cormorants: 3/292 Huskies: 1/107