Tatyoon presented one of the matches of the early rounds against the Westerners in front of a large crowd who made parking a premium.
Supporters came to witness the ability of the Westerners against the perennial finals contender Tatyoon. The first three quarters produced an even game although Tatyoon was down to no one on the bench and losing Rhys Cronin for six weeks with a hamstring injury.
With two minutes to the final siren, Tatyoon was one point up, the Westerns dropped a long bomb into their goal square, which was quickly repelled by Tatyoon to centre wing with 90 seconds left on the clock and two players fighting for the ball. One of Western's imports outplayed his opponent and a long 60-metre kick ended back with Western's forward who raised both flags and ignited celebrations for the Westerners who are on their lonesome at the top of the ladder.
The other match of great interest was equal top Woorndoo Mortlake against Penshurst. Woorndoo led at every change but not at the final siren going down by three points. It is great to see Jacob Mibus given a promotion to the Penshurst seniors and put in a credible performance, kicking two goals. With the loss by Woorndoo Mortlake, they drop from top to fourth joining four other clubs split by percentage from second to sixth.
Moyston Willaura went down against Lismore Derrinallum. Ararat Eagles came up against a strong outfit in SMW Rovers and were totally eclipsed by the SMW Rovers, whose final scoreline reached 41.31.
Wickliffe Lake Bolac travelled to Caramut in a game thought to be a walkover but Caramut have improved and the Magpies are yet to produce skills that saw them premiers and champions last season. One factor the Magpies want to address quickly is kicking accuracy.
Games at the weekend will have an influence on the ladder at the end of the season.
Great Western top position play Glen Dunkeld second; Wickliffe Lake Bolac, 6th play Lismore Derrinallum, 3rd; Woorndoo Mortlake, 4th play Tatyoon, 8th; SMW Rovers, 7th v Hawkesdale Mac, 10 and Penshurst, 5th v Caramut 9th. The wooden spoon game Moyston Willaura, 11th v Ararat Eagles, 12th. Percentage may cause some concern to clubs late in the season, as the draw is unbalanced to possible contenders.
TIPS
Wickliffe Lake Bolac v Lismore Derrinallum
Moyston Willaura v Ararat Eagles (W)
SMW Rovers v Hawkesdale Macarthur
Glen Dunkeld v Great Western (Dun)
Penshurst v Caramut
Woorndoo Mortlake v Tatyoon
