MATCH REVIEW – COWWARR V YARRAM
It was business as usual for league giants Yarram as they continued on their merry way with a mammoth 130-point win over Cowwarr to round out the home and away season on Saturday, 23.15 (153) to 3.5 (23).
Coach Matt Scholz’s return to the helm after three weeks off through illness was a big shot in the arm for the Demons according to president Anthony Rodaughan.
“Matt’s return was quite a decisive factor in the way the boys played and he was able to watch and analyse and straighten a few things out,” Rodaughan said.
He also flagged the mismatch on paper of the round 18 fixture as a danger heading into the game but said the win was a “satisfying one” to round out the season.
“I think some of those sorts of games can be scratchy, but it was quite satisfying and a good tune-up for the boys and allowed them to work on structures and systems and we played some good football,” he said.
Dan and Ben Vardy “were in the best” for the Demons according to Rodaughan, as was Griffin Underwood in a “typical good game” and Will Bodman played well on the wing and “provided plenty of dash”.
Rodaughan said the club would be watching the results of this weekend’s qualifying and elimination finals closely but wasn’t sure if the week off that comes with finishing minor premiers was a blessing or curse.
Corbin Sutherland missed with “a bit of a twinge in his calf” while Liam Farley didn’t play but “will be right to go” in a fortnight’s time.
Kate Withers - Latrobe Valley ExpressMATCH REVIEW – GLENGARRY V HEYFIELD
Heyfield have rounded out their season with a win over Glengarry in round 18 on Saturday, 9.6 (60) to 5.12 (42).
The Roos were just one kick in front at half-time but kicked into gear in the third term with three goals to the Magpies’ one to earn a handy 17-point lead at the last break.
The home side had chances to claw their way back in the last quarter but managed just one goal from eight scoring shots to fall three goals short.
James Beha, Ben King and Jack Woodland all kicked two goals apiece for Heyfield in the win.
Kate Withers - Latrobe Valley ExpressMATCH REVIEW - SALE CITY V ROSEDALE
Rosedale will head into this weekend's do-or-die elimination final against Sale City as firm favourites after notching an impressive 59-point win over them on Saturday, 12.8 (80) to 2.9 (21).
The defending premiers have secured fifth spot despite the loss - edging out Woodside on percentage.
Blues coach Sam Bristow was pleased with the win but said a depleted Sale City bench played a part in determining the final score.
"We stuck to our structures and played our way, which is good, but in saying that [Sale City] had not much of a bench," Bristow said.
"They were guaranteed to play [finals] so I'm sure they'll have a couple that'll come back in this weekend."
Bristow said it was "a good win" for the Blues but remained wary of the Dogs ahead of the replay.
"They're still premiers from last year and they've still got a very good outfit," he said.
"As long as we can play the way we want to play, that's been our position all along and we'll try not to veer away from that."
He flagged Sale City's win over Yarram a fortnight ago as an indicator of the level playing in the North Gippsland league senior competition and said anything could happen in the post-season.
"The competition is so close that if anyone having an off day they get beaten," he said.
"I think the finals series is very open."
Richard Ingrouille went down with a leg injury in the second quarter and didn't return to the ground and his fitness will be assessed later this week and Brad Scott will likely return to the side.
Rohan Diamond was best on ground in his 150th, Luke Lossberg "did really well" on Bulldog Jacob Schuback and Luke Stuckey was also key.
Kate Withers - Latrobe Valley ExpressMATCH REVIEW - TRARALGON TYERS UNITED V CHURCHILL
Traralgon Tyers United have sent a clear message to Churchill with a commanding 55-point win ahead of the qualifying final replay this weekend, 16.16 (112) to 8.9 (57).
The Bombers led from the first bounce and piled on four goals while holding the Cougars to a solitary point to lead by 25 at quarter-time.
The buffer increased to 28 points at half-time and 57 at three-quarter-time to seal the win for TTU and well and truly put them in the box seat ahead of this weekend's rematch.
Lachlan White was the main source of danger up forward for the Bombers and finished the day with five goals, Jacob Albanese kicked three and Billy Morrison and Tim Aitken kicked two each.
Kate Withers - Latrobe Valley ExpressMATCH REVIEW - WOODSIDE V GORMANDALE
Woodside have failed to steal fifth spot and a finals berth despite a win over Gormandale on Saturday, 18.12 (120) to 7.6 (48).
The Wildcats finished on 10 wins for the season but lost out for fifth spot by 17 percentage points.
They had the final round clash won by quarter-time and led by six goals, with Will Leslie's five-goal haul a highlight for the day.
Cam Whiteoak kicked three for Woodside in the win, Bradley Smith two and singles went to eight others.
Kate Withers - Latrobe Valley ExpressOUR PRIMARY PARTNER IS PETER DULLARD MOTOR GROUP
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All match reviews taken from article written by Kate Withers reporting for Latrobe Valley Express. To view original article in full online visit http://www.latrobevalleyexpress.com.au/story/5596345/blues-draw-first-blood/?cs=1588
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