Waaia’s Mitchell Cleeland tucks and runs against Picola United during Saturday’s contest.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Draws galore underscored a peculiar Picola District Football League round at the weekend, with a pair of top six square-offs ending in stalemate.
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Reigning premier Waaia could not be separated from Picola United in a tense tussle, with the Bombers forced to come behind to scrape two points in the north west.
After both sides had 1.1 to their name at the first change, the Bombers shot to a two-goal lead by the half, but soon surrendered it as United dragged ahead by six points at three-quarter time.
However, being the powerhouse it is, Waaia found a way.
Mitch Cleeland’s charges managed to push through and claim a 9.4 (58) to 9.4 (58) tie, and it was the cricketers swinging the ball around in front of the sticks.
Waaia multi-talent Connor Brown kicked four goals in the draw, while Taylor Beard, a former Echuca all-rounder, slotted three for Picola United.
Remarkably, it wasn’t the only deadlock on the day.
Katandra just about retained its top dog status after Katunga almost caused an upset on the Kats’ home deck, rallying from 14 points down at the penultimate break to grasp a 5.8 (38) to 5.8 (38) draw.
The Swans didn’t trouble the scoreboard in the first term, but fought back to trail by two points at the half and continued the tilt right towards the end.
However, premiership favourite Katandra ensured it wouldn’t leave with a second loss for the season and kicked back hard in the final arm wrestle.
Picola United’s Blake Azzopardi shifts away from Waaia’s Ben Armstrong.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
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Picola United’s Sean Solar pumps the ball high with an up-and-under bomb.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
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Picola United’s Blake Azzopardi marks among a pack of players.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
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Picola United’s Micheal Morson kicks the game equaliser and signals to the crowd.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
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Mathoura and Tungamah players contest a ruck duel.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
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Mathoura’s Lachlan Carmody goes for a canter through the midfield.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
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Mathoura’s Aron Burns spins away from his Tungamah opposites.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Meanwhile, Tungamah took Mathoura to the cleaners on the latter’s back paddock, emerging a 20.20 (140) to 3.2 (20) victor.
Sean Johns and Lachy Thompson did the bulk of the Bears’ damage, kicking four goals apiece, while Sam Ferguson and James Irvine were clear standouts in the landslide victory.
Tocumwal landed its third win of the campaign after toppling Rennie by 44 points, while Berrigan had no answer for Katamatite’s might, with the Tigers emerging 16.17 (113) to 3.2 (20) winners.
Lastly, Jerilderie’s forward line dined out on Yarroweyah in a prolific day for the Demons, the former taking the chocolates 26.21 (177) to 0.2 (2).
On the netball courts, Katandra keeps its position inside the top three despite a mighty challenge from Katunga on Saturday.
Though the Swans trailed at each break — but never by more than a handful of goals — Aimee Sidebottom’s side looked a firm chance to uproot Katandra and cause what would be considered an upset.
However, the Kats hung on for dear life and managed to walk away with four points following a 41-35 win.
Top side Katamatite wasn’t even remotely given a shock by Berrigan as it cruised to a 42-goal victory, while second-ranked Deni Rovers secured a 51-20 result over Blighty.
A well-oiled Waaia brushed aside Picola United with relative ease, winning 36-21, while Tungamah made mincemeat of Mathoura during a 50-12 romp.
Finally, Tocumwal beat Rennie by 10 goals, while Jerilderie overpowered Yarroweyah 42-17.
