KDL | Lancaster bounces back against Bulldogs

Round seven saw the league recognise its ‘Say No to Violence’ round, which aims to raise awareness on violence in an attempt to prevent, reduce and respond to violence in the community.

Inaccuracy in front of the big sticks was the only negative in a day of so many positives for Tom Davies and his charges as they cruised home 12.21 (93) to 3.6 (24).

The Wombats were able to dictate the contest and got back to playing their style of football after two-straight losses to unbeaten outfits Shepparton East and Avenel.

Lancaster had plenty of contributors in the win, with young gun Riley O’Neill (one goal) a standout on the wing.

Davies credited his side for getting back to playing their style of play.

“We haven’t lost two games in a row for a long time so it’s good to get back on the winners’ list,” he said.

“It was good to get the game back on our terms and play our brand of footy.

“Our game plan is based on how well we defend and then we are able to turn the ball over and get it forward.

“We were able to do that a little bit last week (against Avenel) so it was nice to achieve that on Saturday. Now we just need to make sure we tidy up in front of goals.”

Joining O’Neill in the best players was former Lancaster onballer Zac Cerrone, who switched to Kyabram in the off-season.

With the bye in the Goulburn Valley League, Cerrone was able to return to his old club for a one-off appearance.

Merrigum’s better players were Ryan Martin, Rohan Hearn and Darcy Collins.

Davies praised the efforts of O’Neill in the important win.

“Riley has been good in patches for us but he was able to put it together in four quarters,” the playing coach said.

“He created plenty of run on the wing for us and he always puts his head over the ball.

“And Zac obviously had the bye with Kyabram and he was keen to get the k’s into his legs.

“He’s been playing well with them and we’re happy to see him playing well at a higher level.”

Around the grounds, Stanhope spoiled the premiership reunion celebrations at Undera.

Stanhope, led superbly by a six-goal performance from Ryan Semmel, was too strong for Undera and triumphed 15.12 (102) to 7.8 (50).

Joining Semmel in the list of better players was Nathan O’Reilly, Matt Gill and Tom Rennie (five goals).

Undera hard-nosed onballer Rhys McKenzie battled hard, while Jack Hajro and Dylan Moncur helped fly the flag.

Not even the appearance of premiership player Sam LaPorta was enough to get the Lions over the line.

LaPorta, who has reached 100 goals in a season three times for Undera, hit the scoreboard with three majors.

Meanwhile, Murchison-Toolamba survived a scare from Girgarre to run out 20-point victors.

The Grasshoppers trailed by as much as 19 points at half-time, however, a stunning Andrew Lloyd masterclass got them across the line.

Lloyd booted seven majors for the game as the Grasshoppers piled on seven goals to one in the second half.

Stephen Burns and defender Adam Macgibbon were both standouts, while Girgarre duo Jarrod Kellock and Rex Taylor starred.

Elsewhere, Violet Town star forward Josh Mellington spearheaded his side to victory over Nagambie.

Mellington kicked a lazy 11 goals as the Towners ran out 17.8 (110) to 13.11 (89) winners.

Teammates Nick Brazil (three goals) and Nathan Abley provided strong support, while David Comi and Jonno Moore were Nagambie’s win.

Avenel coach Kasey Duncan was lively up forward in his side’s 108-point thumping over Tallygaroopna.

Duncan booted six majors in the win, while onballer Kyle Maynard was deemed best-on for the Swans.

Shepparton East duo Ryan Pfeiffer and Hysen Ismet each slotted 11 goals as the Eagles dismantled Longwood by 249 points.

Lastly, Dookie United was on the road to Rushworth in the sole Sunday fixture.