WARRACK Eagles are hopeful of turning their season around after a impressive win against Nhill on Saturday.
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Nhill has been one of the competition’s biggest improvers so far this year. But despite the Tigers sitting in fifth spot on the ladder, the Eagles were confident of upstaging them.
Last time the two teams met, Nhill kicked nine first-quarter goals, something Warrack Eagles coach Ryan McKenzie was keen to rectify.
His charges started off in fine form and got the jump on Nhill in the opening term to lead by 18 points at the first change.
In the second term, it was Nhill that took their game to another level.
The Tigers kicked five goals to Warrack’s one in the second quarter to see momentum swing in their favour.
McKenzie demanded a lift in the second half and his players responded.
Warrack took control in the third quarter and continued to improve until the final siren, running out 15-point winners.
“We honestly got better and better,” McKenzie said.
“It was probably our best four-quarter effort for the season. It was a really good result for us.”
The win for Warrack sees them close the gap on the top half of the comeptition.
If they were to lose on Saturday they would have been two games out of the top five.
“It was a big game for us,” McKenzie said.
“If we had lost, we would have been a long way back. We are right in contention now.”
Warrack had a solid contribution from a number of players, none more impressive than Charlie Wilson.
Wilson kicked six goals and was the dominant forward on the ground.
At just 16 years of age, McKenzie said Wilson’s performance was a highlight in the game.
Warrack captain Ben Spicer returned from a hamstring injury after missing the past month of football.
Spicer showed he had not lost his touch, taking best-on-ground honours for his team.
With the game won on the inside, Warrack ruckman Scott Adams was important.
Adams gave the Eagles first opportunity at the ball and was a clear winner on the ground.
Thomas Wheelan was Nhill’s best.
Warrack Eagles got through the match unscathed, which will leave them in good stead when they take on Stawell Warriors this week.
Nhill will hope to bounce back in an important clash against Horsham Saints.