MDFL - Moyston/Willaura has beaten Wickliffe/Lake Bolac in the long awaited top of the table clash in the Mininera and District Football League.
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There was just three points between the two teams at quarter time and that slim margin was replicated at full time with the Pumas just in front 9.17 (71) to 10.8 (68).
Wickliffe/Lake Bolac kicked two early goals in the second quarter to take the lead but Moyston/Willaura returned fire to escape to a 17 point lead at half time.
The margin was reduced over the remainder of the match with missed opportunities on goal almost costing the Pumas the four points.
Pumas' coach Daniel Guinane said his side put together a pretty good four quarters of football.
"It was a good tough game for four quarters, we led most of the game and had we been more accurate on goal the result could have been a bit different," he said.
"I don't think both sides' skills were all that great at times, but to get a win over the undefeated side of the season so far is definitely good for our confidence."
The result went down to the wire with the Pumas a couple of goals up approaching full time, while a goal from the Magpies at the 26 minute mark reduced the margin to within a kick.
"We had a couple of missed opportunities in that last quarter but our run out off the backline and into the midfield was where we played our best footy," Guinane said.
He said Rhys Cronin and Aaron Neil down back had the biggest impact for the Pumas, while Brian Thomas in his role on ball was unstoppable through the midfield.
Phil Brady, Trent Fiscalini, Aaron Pianta and Luke Thomas were also named among the best for their performances.
Magpies' coach Nick Willox said his side on the whole played well, there are just aspects of their game that need work.
"We started off well, it was low scoring and both teams were able to get their game going," he said.
Willox said after kicking the first two goals in the second quarter the momentum shifted away from the ladder leaders and his side didn't play to the level they started at.
"We really let ourselves down in our disposals, our decision-making and our use of the ball," he said.
Michael Otto was awarded best on ground for the drive he provided across the half back and middle of the field, while Will Archer and Alistair Woods were commended for their play at centre half forward.
Dean McInnes, Willox, Josh Keys and Tom Gibson were also named among the best for the losing side.
"Josh Keys played a really good match on their ruckman Josh Bywater, our Josh held his own for the four quarters," Willox said.
He said the team needs to work to gel together better and refine how they do that in the remaining rounds before the finals.
Both sides avoided heavy injury casualties, Pumas' Nathan Stapleton was taken to hospital in the first quarter with a split upper lip, while full back for the Magpies Michael Blackburn is likely to miss two weeks after suffering a hamstring injury.
Wickliffe/Lake Bolac will remain on top of the Mininera and District Football League ladder despite the loss thanks to its very healthy percentage.
Little separated SM&W Rovers and Tatyoon in its close encounter, the latter getting home by just one kick.
The teams were evenly poised from the outset with nothing separating the top five contenders going into quarter time.
The Bulldogs gained the ascendancy in the second term and stretched a four point lead at halftime to eight points by the final change.
A 12 scoring shots to three final quarter from the Hawks assured the 9.18 (72) to 10.6 (66) victory.
Aidan Bell kicked five of the victors’ nine goals to be named among the best for the Hawks.
Andrew Laidlaw was named best on the ground while Anthony Brady, Jack Fraser, Tim McDougall and Alexander McDougall were also named in the best.
For the Bulldogs, Nicholas Byrne was best on the ground, Billie Leskosek, Matt Mulcahy, Tim Cleeland and Ricky Coyle also received mentions.
The Ararat Eagles may have a new coach, but results on the field reflected little change, with the team suffering another hefty defeat, this time at the hands of Hawkesdale/Macarthur.
In the battle of the Eagles, the away side got the edge early, kicking out to a 39 point lead by quarter time.
Ararat was able to hit the scoreboard in the second term with a couple of goals, but Hawkesdale/Macarthur was still well in control.
The fi nal quarter also went all Hawkesdale/Macarthur’s way with eight goals, to run away 113 point winners, 23.11 (149) to 5.6 (36).
Naish McRoberts and Brent Bulger both kicked two goals each for Ararat while Chris Dahlstrom kicked the remainder.
James Dalkin was named best on ground for Ararat for his efforts, while Ash Jeffrey, Bulger, Simon Alexander, Lachie Bond and Charlie Hawkins were also recognised.
Great Western slumped to its eighth loss for the season after being outclassed by Glenthompson/Dunkeld.
Lions’ president Rodney Matheson labelled the 77 point defeat as the Lions’ worst for the season.
The Lions knew they were in for a tough day against the third placed side as they hit the ground missing a host of senior players including captain and forward Brett Dowie, who was left out due to an injured hand.
Lachie Molloy provided plenty of run and carry through the middle, while BJ Burton proved a strong target up forward, giving the midfielders someone to look for.
Down by just one point at quarter time, Great Western was able to match it with the Rams until things began to fall apart in the second term.
The visitors were unable to sustain the pressure with Glenthompson/Dunkeld controlling the middle quarters, booting 12 goals to one to lead the battle weary Lions by 68 points at the final change.
Great Western managed to slot two goals in the final quarter but the result was already a foregone conclusion, the Rams prevailing 19.10 (124) to 7.5 (47).
Ben Newson and Bobby Garley battled hard in defence all day while Richard Thomas showed some of his best form for the season playing out of the centre and across half forward.
Kyle Salmon returned to the senior side after missing last week due to work commitments and was excellent in the ruck.
In other round 12 results Penshurst beat Lismore/Derrinallum by nine points while Woorndoo/Mortlake lifted for the first time all season, taking a lead into quarter time before going down to Caramut by 40 points.