Left and above: Neville Bow, known across the district as ‘Turtle’ proved he still has a few tricks up his sleeve recently, after a long and distinguished career with Garfield.MAFFRA closed the door on Garfield’s finals hopes with a convincing win over the Stars at Maffra on Saturday.
The Eagles blew Garfield out of the water in the first quarter,kicking six unanswered goals to kill the contest by the first change.
The Stars considered themselves a chance to upset the game, but were lucky the quartertime margin was not greater as Maffra missed several easy shots at goal. The Stars did better in the second quarter, kicking four goals, but had no answer to the Maffra forwards, who piled on another six to be well in front at halftime.
Stern words from coach Ben Soumilas at halftime had some effect as Garfield outscored the unbeaten ladder leader in the second half, but the result was never in doubt.
While the Stars were well beaten, they had some players who never gave up. Mal McKenna’s form in the second half of the season has been exceptional and he was again a lively target at centre halfforward, finishing with four goals.
Tom Marsh took several strong marks in the ruck and up forward. At just 18, Marsh is a player Garfield will be able to base its teams around for many years to come.
Ben Marsh and Jake Hower were excellent onballers, fighting hard against the daunting Maffra midfield, while Andy Soumilas did well as a loose man across the halfback line.
Ben Soumilas in defence helped set up a number of Garfield attacking moves.
After Moe’s convincing win over Drouin, Garfield was out of the finals race.
While the Stars will be disappointed to miss the September action, the second half of the season has shown they are far from out of their depth in the WGLFL.
Garfield will play secondplaced Traralgon at Garfield this week in a game that should give the Stars an indication of how much improvement is needed to make a real impact next year.
RESERVES
Garfield suffered a heavy loss at the hands of Maffra.
The Stars looked like they were in for a hiding early, Maffra kicking five goals to one in the first term.
But Garfield came out firing in the second quarter, banging on four goals to the Eagles’ two to be right in the game at halftime.
However, the Stars didn’t give a yelp after halftime and, as Maffra piled on goal after goal, Garfield failed to score.
Scott Gibson was excellent across the halfforward line for Garfield and has had a good season.
Joel Ferguson got plenty of possessions in the midfield and used the ball well, while Jim Marsh, Brendan Cremin and Gary Vitiritti were also good.
UNDER 18
After two wins on the trot, Garfield came back to earth with a heavy loss at the hands of Maffra.
The Stars had no answer for the Eagles’ running game and were not helped by an injury to key player Terry Mildren. Matt Stanney, Daylan Gleeson, Jake Lambourne, Daniel Vella, Ben Rotheram and Stuart Edwards were Garfield’s best.
UNDER 16
Garfield was well beaten by Maffra but still put in a good performance, kicking five goals.
The Stars have battled hard against the odds this year and will be hoping for a good performance in their last game against Traralgon this week.
Chris Bogart, Chris Young, Ned Marsh, Phil Burns and Tom McKenna were among the Stars’ best.
