BULLDOGS SHOW SOME BITE
Story and photos courtesy of Sunraysia Daily
A DOMINANT second quarter allowed an efficient South Mildura to emerge victorious for the first time in season 2019, by nine points over a fast-finishing but wasteful Wentworth in an entertaining tussle under lights.
While not a game for the highlight reel, both teams took it up to each other from start to finish in a contest that had the home crowd out of their seats in the last quarter as their side charged home late, only to come up just short.
But it was the six-goals-to-nil second quarter that proved the difference in South’s win.
Both sides were keen to make their mark on this contest early as fierce pressure surrounded each pack.
Wentworth got their hands on the ball constantly through their assistant coach Wade Hancock but the pressure applied by their South Mildura opponents caused numerous turnovers.
The Roos continued to create chances throughout the quarter but Anthony Gauci and Deklan Loveridge proved resolute in defense, stopping Wentworth every time they the got the ball into their 50-metre arc.
Up the other end, South Mildura did just enough and finished off the quarter perfectly when ruckman Tyler Curtis got away from his opponent and drifted forward to take a strong mark and goal just before the quarter time siren.
A quarter-time rev-up from coach John Pratt worked wonders for South Mildura as they exploded out of the blocks in the second quarter, running and carrying the ball splendidly along the length of George Gordon Oval.
The Bulldogs powered ahead of their opponents, kicking six goals straight to five behinds as the contest blew open.
The hard running of Liam Wood and Christopher Sellens through the centre set up forwards including Tristan Parker, who finished off a couple of nice passages of leadup play.
For Wentworth, the pressure was proving too much as the Roos wasted numerous opportunities up forward.
Half-time couldn’t come quick enough for Wentworth and they used the long break well, coming out more prepared for the contest.
In the third quarter, Andy Wall was swung forward and Dion Harris threw his body into contests all over the ground.
This generated momentum for the Roos as they gradually clawed their way back.
For South Mildura, Jarrod Lay was everywhere and kicked a lovely goal, but a late burst by the Roos yielded a couple of goals and gave them a sniff going into the
last quarter six goals down.
Wentworth coach Sam Curran picked up on the momentum shift in his three-quartertime address, urging his charges to be brave and take chances in the last quarter.
The Roos were clearly paying attention to their coach, because in a blast of high-energy football they threw away the inefficiencies of earlier quarters, kicking four goals in 10 minutes to close the margin to nine points.
But in a brutal 10-minute period South Mildura wrested back the momentum and closed the game down to a series of rolling mauls on the wing, allowing them to hold on for their first win of the year.
Wentworth were left to rue what might have been had they brought the attitude and intensity of the last quarter to the whole game.
Senior Football Score
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Netball
WENTWORTH underlined their status as the team to beat with a solid 49-41 win over South Mildura to remain undefeated in season 2019.
The reigning premier Bulldogs had also started the season well but at George Gordon Oval it was the host’s day.
Christie Becker was excellent at wing defence with goal defender Samantha Garraway backing her up well.
Illy Sovau and Georgia Chase performed well for South Mildura.
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The following is the round 4 summary from the weekly footy guide (R5)
The monkey is off our back…….just……After 4 weeks of searching for that elusive first win for 2019 our senior boys got home last week by a narrow 9 points against a fast finishing Wentworth outfit. Our 4th quarter demon crept in again but the guys steadied in the last 10 minutes to take the 4 points.
Today we meet another young and improving side in Merbein at Sarah Oval. Coming off a big win last week they will be full of confidence coming into today’s match, as will our bulldogs who will be looking to get their second win on the trot. The vibe around #3 this week has been very upbeat as you would expect, however for Pratty and our young group they are certainly under no illusions that there is still much improvement to be made. This will shape up to be a great contest and we welcome and look forward to a tough encounter this afternoon.
Our A-Grade Netballers had a sluggish start last week against the leagues other unbeaten side in Wentworth. It was catch up Netball from the get go for Loretta’s chargers and come the final siren we fell short of the mark. Wentworth exploded from the first quarter and controlled proceedings up and down the court, but credit to our girls who clawed their way back to reduce the final deficit. Today we face off with Merbein who are coming off a crushing win at the expense of Redcliffs, we look forward to an entertaining match come midday today and without a doubt our girls will be looking to make amends for last week’s loss……Good Luck Ladies.
Our Junior Football and Netball programs continue to unearth our senior players of the future, the amount of hard work that volunteer coaches put in along with the help of parents and carers every week ensures our juniors are playing to the best of their abilities, but first and foremost enjoying themselves and having fun with their friends and family every week. Good luck to our little bulldog pups.
This Saturday night we will be holding our annual Back 2 Front Draw, a $100 Ticket will admit 2 people for a Roast Meal with all the trimmings plus beer, wine, soft drink & bottled water supplied for the duration of the draw. The last 3 numbers left will be our prize winners taking away $250 for 3rd, $750 for 2nd and the last out is $4000 big ones. Catch up with any South Mildura board member or official to secure you tickets.
Good luck to all football and netball sides competing today and watch out for those snarling doggies……….they bite!
The Barking Bulldog
