By Hayley Wildes
ELLINBANK AND DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE
REVIEW – ROUND 1
After unfurling the 2017 Premiership flag, Catani got straight to business as they kicked off their 2018 campaign with a comprehensive win over Lang Lang at Taplins Road.
The Tigers won the opening centre clearance, but from there it was tough going for the Lang Lang’s midfielders as the class of Catani shone through.
Paul Pattison’s dominance around the ground set up many attacking forays and Trent Adams made Lang Lang pay, setting the tone early with plenty of energy and speed up forward.
Lang Lang’s Josh Brown, whose desperation all day was impressive, provided the highlight of the first quarter with a long bomb from outside fifty.
A 48-point lead for Catani at half-time was the result of cleaner ball use and quick transition from defence.
Aiden Cuff and Dylan Williams ran riot for the Blues, providing plenty of attack. The teamwork from Catani was second to none, with many bone-crunching shepherds and tackles that left their Lang Lang opponents reeling.
To Lang Lang’s credit, they came out much improved after half time, holding Catani to three goals in the third quarter.
Will McGindle, playing on one of the best key forwards in the league in Owen Fitzpatrick, was valiant. Holding Fitzpatrick to one goal in the first three quarters (he finished with three majors), was impressive as he halved nearly all one-on-one marking contests.
Troy McPherson was a soldier in defence and with the ball coming in thick and fast, battled hard all day. Without him, Lang Lang would’ve conceded half a dozen more goals.
A final quarter that saw Catani score 6.6 and hold Lang Lang to one behind, showcased Catani’s superior conditioning.
The pairing of Adams (four goals) and Wade Haysom (three goals) provided plenty of firepower up forward and will be a tough cover for any defence in the league.
Paul Pattison sent an ominous message to the rest of the league that he can match, if not better, his league best and fairest winning season of 2017. He dominated from start to finish in a best-on-ground performance that was sure to have caught the eyes of the vote-giving umpires.
Catani claimed the win, 17.13 (115) to 3.2 (20).
In Nilma Darnum, the Bombers provided a major upset, taking care of the Crows.
Longwarry struggled to get their offence going and were unable to control Nilma Darnum’s midfielders.
Bomber Ben Campbell (two goals) was dominant and asserted himself on the contest from the opening bounce.
Russell Lehman (two goals), Riley Rundell (two goals) and Nicholas Redley were impressive for Longwarry, but the Crows simply didn’t have as many contributors as the Bombers did.
Down by a goal heading into the final quarter, there was plenty of belief in the Longwarry camp, but it wasn’t to be.
A five goal to four final quarter saw Nilma Darnum claim a 10.15 (75) to 8.12 (60) win.
Nyora got off to a winning start in 2018, with a 49-point win over Neerim Neerim South. Rhys Bancroft was dominant, as Ben Schultz and Ilan Osman both booted four majors.
Ellinbank just scraped home for a hard-fought seven point win over Poowong. Trailing by 42 points at three quarter time, Poowong came flying home, booting seven goals and holding Ellinbank to just one.
It wasn’t enough though, as Ellinbank held on in a dramatic final few minutes of play.
Warragul Industrials were too good for Buln Buln as Shane Brewster (four goals) put on an offensive masterclass. The Lyrebirds were unable to make inroads after falling behind in the second quarter, with the Dusties running out 40-point winners.
Round 2 fixture:
Lang Lang v Neerim Neerim South
Poowong v Catani
Warragul Industrials v Longwarry
Buln Buln v Nyora
Nilma Darnum v Ellinbank
