INVERLOCH-Kongwak has continued its strong run of form after a 67 point win on the road against Kilcunda-Bass.
The Sea Eagles started the contest well as their midfield took control straight away.
The onslaught of forward entries was difficult for the Panthers to cope with but their efforts spoiling the ball and some poor kicking from IK resulted in only three goals for the term.
KB was able to slow down the tempo and try to control the ball but some poor skills proved costly.
Reigning league best and fairest Andy Soumilas had plenty of the ball in the first quarter and Conor Cunningham was delivering it well to him out of the ruck.
KB’s Riley Scapin battled well in the ruck all day but IK’s class at ground level didn’t allow the Panthers too many centre clearances.
Inverloch-Kongwak started to hit its straps a bit more in the next term.
Dan Houston and Adam Cross were gathering plenty of the ball across half back and on the wing.
The Sea Eagles forward line shared the load beautifully for the day with five players kicking two goals each and another four players chiming in for one.
Down the other end, Taylor Gibson was brilliant again for the Panthers, taking plenty of grabs despite the constant pressure from the defence led by Campbell McKenzie.
KB was able to snag one goal to reduce the margin by half time but the visitors still looked very in control of the contest with a 44 point lead.
The third quarter was much more of the same with IK playing well but the Panthers were doing their best to stop the game from blowing out.
The away side booted five goals for the term as it did in the quarter prior to half time.
KB’s pocket rocket on-ballers Sean Casey and Hayden Spierings fought well in the second half and helped their side convert another goal.
KB was challenged at three quarter time to win the quarter and not fall victim to another 100 point defeat.
The inexperienced Panthers were trying hard all game and they did manage to win the final term.
Ned Bradley and Finn Homer were two of the youngsters who fought valiantly and were involved in lots of link up plays that got the ball deep into KB’s attack.
The end of the low scoring final term left IK the 67 point victor and kept it two wins clear on the ladder.
Next week, KB will face second on the ladder as it travels to Koo Wee Rup and IK will face a tougher test against Phillip Island.
If one of the hallmarks of a quality footy side is its ability to bounce back from defeat, then Dean Blake's Nar Nar Goon group is well and truly on the right track.
Over the second and third quarters in Round 7 against the so far undefeated reigning premier, Inverloch Kongwak, the boys from the Goon were taught a seaside lesson in pressure footy. They rebounded in the last to lose by just 14 points, but they were under no illusions or false dawns Ben Soumilas' side faded late. So, on Saturday, Blake's boys had a point to prove against another premiership aspirant in famous rival Koo Wee Rup. And their ability to exert their own pressure would prove vital.
The Demons were undermanned just as the Goon was last week and missed the likes of big man Daniel Calteri, clearance bull Ben Kerrigan, and Speedster Dom Paynter terribly. The Goon got off to a strong start, led by the likes of Jake Smith and Matt Stevens (four goals), who, himself, made a return from injury. Their pressure at the contest, in defence, and even across the forward 50 - was particularly telling while the Demons were too often found back-peddling and seemingly second guessing themselves.
While the boys from the Goon regularly burst forward in waves, the Demons looked reactive and they took a 41-point deficit into the main break. It ultimately proved to be insurmountable as the Goon won 12.13 (85) to 7.7 (49) off the back of starring roles from Sam Blackwood, Trent Armour, and role players Jacob Sweeney and Shannon Stocco.
Jason Wells (three goals) was again strong for Koo Wee Rup from his limited opportunities up forward while young vice-captain Nathan Voss, the hard-headed Troy Dolan, and the veteran experience of Craig Dyker and Anthony Giuliano also impressed for the visitors who, despite a down day on Saturday, will clearly still be right there when the whips are cracking at the business end of the season.
Russell BennettOUR MAJOR PARTNER OF THE MONTH IS CAMPING ADVENTURES
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Kilcunda-Bass v Inverloch-Kongwak match review written by Sarah Vella reporting for The Great Southern Star. To view original article online visit http://thestar.com.au/blog/sea-eagles-continue-strong-campaign/
Nar Nar Goon v Koo Wee Rup match review written by Russell Bennett reporting for Pakenham Gazette. To view original article online visit https://pakenham.starcommunity.com.au/gazette/2018-06-05/goon-bounces-back-in-style/ (viewability may be subject to subscription)
Bunyip v Dalyston and Phillip Island v Cora Lynn match reviews taken from articles written by South Gippsland Sentinel Times. Original articles can be viewed online by subscription only.
Garfield v Korumburra-Bena match review written by Warragul & Drouin Gazette. Original article can be viewed online by subscription only.
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