Round 12 Review

A major upset saw bottom of the table Highlanders beat premiership contenders Nhill Thunderbirds 5 nil. Indicating the evenness of the women’s competition but also surprising considering the two teams played a nil all draw just seven days earlier. An improving Highlanders team dominated play from the outset, keeping the ball in their attacking half for the majority of the game. Ginny Forrest was the multiple goal scorer with two. Ellie Morrow played an excellent game also scoring as did Carmel McFarlane and Jackie Zordan. Kate Ferrier was best for the Highlanders playing another excellent game and controlling things at centre back, and Robyn Creek was good in attack. Despite the score the thunderbirds worked hard in defence but were not able to keep the ball in their attacking half for long enough. Jeanette McLeod and Rosy Wallis were best for Nhill.

In another vital women’s match Yanac women had a good comeback win to defeat Kaniva 2 – 1. Kaniva led 1 nil at half time after a very even first half. Wide open play featured allowing many runs from both teams’ wingers and keeping opposing defences busy. In a tense and even second half it was Yanac who came out on top, with goals from Sharon Croot and Naomi Brick. Best for Yanac were Sarah Coughlin and Sheree May. While Rachel Clarke with a goal and Sharon Williams were Kaniva’s best.

In a free flowing game Warracknabeal women just held out Dimboola 2 – 1 in the other women’s match. Best were Alana Argent and Julie Langman for Warracknabeal, and Michelle Searle and Naomi Kuhnell for Dimboola.

In the men, the Hoops and Dimboola had the same score line as their women counterparts, a 2 – 1 win to the Hoops, in a very open and even game. In the first half Dimboola employed a strategy of short passes, while the Hoops long direct game provided many scoring chances, but at half time it was still nil all. The Hoops renown for strong second halves didn’t disappoint with goals to Simon Bardell and Corey Sutton in the first 15 minutes of the half. Dimboola replied late in the half through a great carry down the length of the field effort by Tim Jorgensen. He crossed the ball to Jarryd Tischler who scored a great goal. Nathan Kent and Stephen Laverty were best for the Hoops while Tim Jorgenson and David Johincke were Dimboola’s best.

Yanac Tigers defeated Kaniva 3 – 0 in the other men’s match. A lot of midfield play with the Tigers experience allowing them to make the most of their opportunities. Adam Clohesy scored the only goal of the half following a scrimmage in the D. Kaniva were unlucky not to capitalise on some good play in their attacking half. Despite fantastic play by Kaniva in the second half it was Yanac who made the most of their opportunities. Luke Reichenbach and Mick Dart were best for Yanac, and Alan King and Reilly Sanders were Kaniva’s best.