EDFL round 18 review

By Ken Moore
CATANI gave Warragul Industrials a sharp lesson at the weekend, winning by 114 points to secure third spot on the ladder.
John Entwisle underscored a fine game with five lastquarter goals to make it 11 for the game and 99 for the homeandaway season.
Josh Tymensen and Aaron and Paul Alger instigated many attacks and Owen Fitzpatrick was a thorn in the side of the Dusties’ defence with five goals.
The Dusties’ onballers Jason Kennedy and Dave Bracken both tried hard but were up against superior odds and experience.
Shane Lindau acquitted himself well across the forward line and Danny Gorman offered plenty of resistance in defence.
It’s been a steep learning curve under Steve Pursell and, having not won a match since round 12, the Dusties will be glad the season has come to an end.
Cora Lynn sealed an impressive 87point victory over NeerimNeerim South and posted 174 points, the highest score of the round.
Shane Toner (eight goals) and Wayne Robertson and Jason Hall (five goals apiece) applied the finishing touches for good work downfield by Abe Roder, Ben and Dave Collins and Tom Van Diemen, who was moved into the ruck when Ty Esler left the field with a sore back.
Chris Urie was lively up forward for the Cats and had strong support from Jack Halligan.
Mark Mapleson offered plenty of rebound out of defence, ruckman Keane Bannister made his presence felt and Heath Strating won plenty of touches around the packs.
With the inclusion of prospective AFL draftee Lachlan Hansen, Nar Nar Goon proved a more formidable foe.
The Goon toppled Lang Lang by 35 points to displace it from 10th position.
Hansen showed why he was so highly regarded, played a variety of roles, notched four goals and showed skill in the air and at ground level.
After an even first half, the Goon introduced Brian Andrews off the interchange bench and he made an immediate impact, steering through three goals in seven minutes.
The Goon finished the season a good note with 10 lastquarter goals to give longsuffering supporters hope for next season.
Nigel Benn impressed in the ruck and seemed destined for big things, Jason Rantall and Luke Dore found plenty of the ball and Mark Handley played an assured game in defence.
Lang Lang was far from disgraced and had a weapon in Peter Stapleton (six goals) and a strong ally in Kurt Batt (four) who again displayed his ample talent.
As usual, Alex Saraikin and Adam Baxter played well as midfield link men and Stuart Casey shored up the defence.
Buln Buln battled hard to see off Poowong by 19 points.
Buln Buln trailed until just before threequarter time before finishing the stronger in the last quarter.
Brent Eastwell won heaps of possessions and had splendid support from wingman Dave Worrall and onball colleague Brent Lewien.
Jeremy Jagoe provided a good target at centre halfforward and Dale Brew and Michael Baker attacked the ball hard in defence.
Pat Venville came up from the thirds and gained valuable experience, winning handy possessions.
Club stalwart Anthony Baker’s 300th club game was spoiled when he left the field in the second quarter with a broken collarbone.
Luke James had his customary influence and, along with Rohan Best and Trevor Hooker, the Magpies’ forwards gave the Lyrebirds plenty to think about.
Rugged defender Chris Wilson was at his strong and willing best and had great support from Darren Motton and Clint Attenborough.
Nyora sowed up the minor premiership with a 66point victory over Ellinbank.
The Saints had too much firepower, their threepronged attack of Nathan Osler, Dean Alger and Chris Langley kicking 16 goals.
Dean and Brendan Hislop, Ben Hallas and Rory Gilliatte provided much of the midfield drive.
Ellinbank put in a plucky effort and was competitive in all four quarters.
Matthew Robertson (six goals) provided a target in front of the big sticks and midfielders Coby Jolley, David Quirk and defender Neale Parke (in his 150th game) won more than their fair share of possessions.
Bunyip cruised to a 92point win over NilmaDarnum.
Ryan Ablett played half a game, which was enough to kick eight goals, the seventh of which was his 100th for the season.
Ruckman Shane Mumford was at his brilliant best and Troy Holmes, Sean Murphy and Dean Forsyth launched many midfield thrusts.
After conceding the first four goals of the third quarter, the Bombers surprised supporters by ramming on five unanswered goals and outscoring the Bulldogs for the term.
Captaincoach Adrian Carr and Shane Youngman had a redhot go throughout and key defender Ren Wyatt repelled many dangerous forward forays.