Strathmerton grinds out win against fellow contender in PDFL round 13 action

An improved performance in the second term had it narrow the margin to nine points at the main break.

A goal to Sam Wright in the third term extended Katamatite's lead to 14 points and the Bulldogs looked on the ropes.

But injuries to Wright, Joel Tippett and John Woodcock in the third term meant the Tigers lost the momentum and the Bulldogs kicked two late goals to reduce the margin to two points at the final break.

The Bulldogs kicked three goals to one in the final term to run out winners 8.7 (55) to 6.7 (43).

Marcus McMillan took his season tally to 30, with a four-goal haul for the Dogs, while Sam Wright booted three for the Tigers before leaving the field.

{image:865172944}

Bulldogs co-coach Shannon Edgar said a change of mindset midway through the first quarter was key to the comeback victory.

“Probably the first 15 minutes we were trying to play dry weather footy and we decided to then play to the conditions,” Edgar said.

“Coming up against a good side, they aren't just going to give you the game, so we just had to grind it out and play our style of footy for the next three and half quarters and stick fat and be there at the end.”

Despite conditions not favouring taller players, Edgar was happy with the games of his tall timber.

“It's funny that in wet, slippery conditions, our talls were really good,” he said.

“Zeke Bunge in the ruck, Theo Thomas, Mick Laidlaw — they were really good.”

{image:865172950}

Tigers coach Jedd Wright said the third quarter injuries changed the course of the game.

“It was a very disappointing day,” Wright said.

“We set ourselves for a big game and probably to half-time we were good and then we fell away in the third and fourth quarter.

“When Woody went down with a shoulder injury, then Tippo hurt his ankle and Sam did a hammy all in the space of about 15 minutes that probably turned the game, but credit to them (Strathmerton) they kept on running and really fought out the game.”

{image:865172943}

Tungamah took advantage of Katamatite's loss, leapfrogging the Tigers into the top four.

With a tough stretch coming up, which includes three games between July 17 and 24, a win against Deniliquin Rovers was a must for the Bears and they triumphed 17.17 (109) to 8.6 (54).

Nick Lawless kicked seven goals for the Bears, while Chris Powell (four) and Jeremy O'Brien (two) also contributed up forward.

For the Rovers, James Kirby was their sole multiple goal-kicker with two.

Katandra missed out on a spot in the eight after going down to Yarroweyah.

The Grasshoppers won 9.13 (67) to 5.5 (35), with Tom Scott kicking three goals.

Mitch Black and Thomas Jeffery kicked two each for the Kats.

{image:865172948}

Berrigan joined Waaia, which had the bye, on nine wins after accounting for Mathoura.

The Saints won 7.13 (55) to 5.3 (33).

Katunga picked up win number seven after it proved too good for Picola United.

The Swans won 12.12 (84) to 10.5 (65), with Fergus Lappin kicking five.

Corey Barrington was the pick of the Blues’ players.

Jerilderie sits in sixth spot after taking down Tocumwal by 76 points.

Mitch Conlan led the way for the Demons, kicking six goals and taking his season tally to 33.

Charles McKenna kicked two goals for the Bloods in the 5.6 (36) to 16.16 (112) loss.

{image:865172942}

Rennie finally recorded its first win of the season and it did so in emphatic fashion.

The Grasshoppers beat Blighty, which is still to win a game, 34.12 (216) to 2.3 (15).

Chase Strawhorn now has 52 goals for the season, from 11 matches, after kicking 13 in the 201-point win.

Marc Lonergan also had a day out, kicking nine majors.

Kane Morris kicked the Redeyes’ two goals.

MORE LOCAL SPORT:

Shepparton primary school receives signed Richmond jumper, thanks to Year 6 student's footy smarts

Suspension news in the region

GVL, PDNL claim titles, while MNL makes two grand finals at Albury event