Cora Lynn recruit Ben Collins enjoys a heady celebration after slotting through a great goal in the Cobras’ 46point win over Nar Nar Goon in the Cunningham Cup match on Saturday.By Ken Moore
CORA Lynn has regained the Cunningham Cup after a hardfought 46point victory over its archrival Nar Nar Goon. The margin was not a reflection of the game, for the Goon only trailed by five points halfway through the third term.
Cora Lynn wrested control in the second half with the moves of Jason Hall into the ruck and Ben Aidrie into attack. Key forward Jeremy Duiker went into defence to quell the dangerous Clint Sheedy, who kicked four goals in the first half. Pacy Cobra ruckrover Ben Collins pumped the ball forward all game and Cameron Haynes with five goals was a focal target in front of the big sticks. Shannon Toner played a big role in the second half as a loose man in defence and Chase Hancock in his first senior game showed clever skills. For Nar Nar Goon Spencer Noonan was in the thick of action, Alan McArthur held the defence together, Luke Dore and Matt Wade racked up possessions all over the field and Bill Handley made an impressive debut. Goon coach Pat Henwood said his team’s inability to follow team principles in the second half contributed to the Goon’s fadeout.
Bunyip sounded a warning that it cannot be dismissed as a premiership chance with a comefrombehind 62point victory over Catani. After trailing by 31 points in the second quarter, the Bulldogs kicked five goals in the later part of the second quarter, including three in timeon, to gain traction in the contest. Catani led by 12 points at threequarter before it was left stunned by a 13goal final term spree by Bunyip. Ryan Ablett, who entered the game under an injury cloud with a backrelated hamstring injury, showed no sign of discomfort, notching nine goals including seven in the final term. Bunyip’s midfield of Clint Meyer, Aaron Henwood, Jake Ablett, Michael Whyte, Ray Ablett and Troy Holmes overran their opponents in the last term and Shane Mumford’s reputation as one of if not the most valuable ruckman in the league grew with an inspired fourquarter effort. Catani’s best included Josh Tymensen and Andrew Stockx, who offered plenty of rebound out of defence and through the midfield, and pintsized Emerald recruit Troy Wilson played his best game for the Blues. Key forwards Owen Fitzpatrick and John Entwisle regularly troubled the Bulldog defence. It was Catani’s biggest loss for the season.
Just as the form suggested, Longwarry crushed NeerimNeerim South. The Cats put in a good showing until quartertime but in the second term the Crows rattled on nine unanswered goals and cruised to a 120point victory. Glenn Browney gave his team a great target with eight goals and had a good foil in Dean Dallinger, who bagged five after moving forward in the second quarter. The Crows’ onball division led by Matt Campbell, Tye Holland, Danny Wells and halfback Tim Ziegeler, were a constant menace and Grant McDonald, initially in the ruck and then at centre halfforward, found plenty of possessions. For NeerimNeerim South, Paul Whelan proved hard to contain with six goals despite close attention from Tim Milner, ruckman Keane Bannister acquitted himself well, Josh O’Brien and Danny Sheehan went hard at the ball and halfback Mark Mapleson offered plenty of rebound out of defence.
Ellinbank remained in contention for sixth spot after it beat Warragul Industrials by 72 points. Age shall not weary 48yearold ruckrover Rob Ballingall, who conjured yet another bestonfield performance. Ballingall had fine midfield support from his son Steven, David Quirk, Mark Johnson and regular defender Matthew Robertson, who enjoyed the freedom of the wing this week. For the Dusties ruckrover Nathan Vanderplight and Dave Bracken roamed far and wide, halfback Chris Ostojic came under notice and Chris Jones was prominent across centre halfforward and when moved into the ruck.
Poowong bowed out of finals contention after it suffered a shock 77point loss at the hands of Lang Lang. The Tigers set the mood for the game with a sixgoal opening term and led by Kurt Batt, who was prominent early, it never looked back. Wingman Dean Brown, an emerging talent, covered plenty of territory and was widely perceived as best on ground. Chris McCurdy stepped up as a legitimate forward target with four goals, Peter Stapleton, in only his second game for the season, notched three and Tony Butera was also lively, chiming in with three goals. Poowong defenders Mark Hutchinson, David Miller and Chris Wilson worked overtime and provided good rearguard support in a disappointing effort by the Magpies.
Nyora showed why it occupied top spot when it thrashed a depleted Kooweerup by 193 points. Kooweerup frittered away opportunities to deny it a lead at quartertime, but then Nyora turned the game into an exhibition, ramming on 12 consecutive goals. Nathan Osler kicked 11 goals, ruckrover Rory Gilliatte won disposals at will and drove home eight majors and defenders Glen and Dean Hislop and Brad Francis had all the answers when challenged. For the Demons, Ben Miller swept the ball out of the back line well, Rhys Morgan regularly broke the lines, Cora Lynn recruit Lee Aarts won many handy disposals and ruckman Carl Bertuna did well early before tiring. Kooweerup’s sixth spot is now under serious threat from both Buln Buln and Ellinbank, who have sneaked within two points on the ladder.
Buln Buln handed NilmaDarnum a 197point thrashing. Goal sneak Brenton Lewien kicked seven, youngster Mitch Nobelius showed he was a quality player in the making with six majors and his brother Luke impressed with four and used his pace to good advantage. Michael Baker, in his 300th game, and Joel Ferguson notched five goals apiece. Colin Smith with four goals was the only multiple goal scorer for the Bombers and Ren Wyatt, David Cameron and Matthew Mallia put in honest efforts.
