Dudley’s Jed Martain tackles 200-gamer Adam Trowbridge. Picture: Sean McGowan
A Grade
Wisanger v Dudley United
Following a bye in the opening round of footy, Wisanger A grade hosted the Eagles at Panther Park for round two. Adam (Yogi) Trowbridge led the boys out in his first game as coach, as well as his 200th game as a senior player. Early in the first term the drizzle turned to persistent rain and the nor-easterly winds picked up - the start of a hard slog for the home side against Dudley. A massive kick from Luke Bowd minutes after the opening siren was marked by new recruit no. 51 Grant Brown – he kicked through for his first goal of many for the day. Soon after he took an uncontested mark directly in front of goal but was unable to convert, redeeming himself moments later with another major. Within minutes a tussle in their goal square allowed the quick-witted Brown to boot through for another goal. Eagles players were all over Wisanger, with Bowd scooping up the ball adding another 6 points to the scoreboard, followed up by two more goals from Brown. Darren Ragless put the visitor’s seventh goal on the scoreboard just before quarter time, making it a monumental task for the Wisanger boys to make a come back. It had been a scrappy first quarter – as the wind picked up the Eagles had played the ball short, not giving their opposition time to get under it. The Panthers had worked hard but missed opportunities to get the ball off the ground. WFC 0 0 DUFC 7 4
During the second quarter the wind worked in the Panthers’ favour with Yogi scoring his first from 50m and Cody Treloar with the next, followed up by a huge kick from Andrew (Norm) Turner for the home team’s third. The visitors struggled to get traction, leaving them with nothing extra on the scoreboard for the quarter. Half time scores WFC 3 2 DUFC 7 4
The Eagles once again used the wind advantage in the third quarter, keeping the Panthers scoreless and managing a flood of goals - 2 from Bowdy and 1 each from Ragless, Brown, and a massive kick from outside 50 on the siren from Scott Walden. Three quarter time scores WFC 3 2 DUFC 12 5
It was a heavy, hard, wet slog for the final quarter with the both sides struggling to keep their footing, hold the ball and score, with the only goal from the visitor’s Sam Howard. Scores at the final siren WFC 3 3 DUFC 13 8.
Wisanger welcomes Paul Bott back to KI and to the Panthers A grade side.
Western Districts v
Parndana
Western Districts and Parndana battled for the ANZAC Day / Jamie Larcombe Memorial boasting rights in trying conditions at Gosse. A stirring pre-match address by Steve Riley reminded us all of the sacrifices made by those serving our country in all wars, not to take for granted the lifestyle and freedom we now enjoy. The simple pleasure of competing in Saturday afternoon sport in healthy rivalry whilst nurturing our young community members is something that many countries cannot enjoy.
Approximately two inches of rain fell throughout the afternoon to the delight of spectators, some farmers suggesting winter sport should start at Gosse on the 1st of April every year to ensure a good early break to the season. Needless to say the coffee jar and port barrel were popular.
The young Saints team battled hard to hold up their highly favoured opponents who look to have recruited well with some key position inclusions despite some major outs.
Conditions suited S Short who tackled hard, A Fogden and T Buck also featured in the Saints best. Parndana’s best were B May and D Trethewey with N Trethewey being presented the Jamie Larcombe Medal for best on ground.
Reserves
Western Districts v Parndana
Two good quality teams were fielded for the reserves match between the Saints and Roosters, set to be a good contest as the precursor to the west end derby. The Saints were more experienced and the slippery conditions suited them as the game slowed, the younger roosters unable to utilise their pace and endurance. The reliable firm of Florance, Morris, Hagget and Bald kept the ball pumping forward to equally experienced Downing and Weatherspoon. Back of the envelope calculations revealed 2147 games between them. The Saints recruiting well during the week with D Wedding and J Parsons returning to give Willmot a helping hand down back. B Liddle and J Gloyne had a good battle with big Rob Kelly in the ruck. M Bowden and D Pledge were good for Parndana, saints holding on for a good win.
