HAVE you heard the one about the four points, a draw and two broken ducks?
No, it’s not the start of a bad joke, but the summary for a crazy day of Sunraysia Football and Netball League action!
Merbein and South Mildura played out a draw at Kenny Park, Irymple held on to win by less than a goal against Mildura, while Red Cliffs and Ouyen United celebrated their first wins of the season against Robinvale Euston and Imperials respectively.
The Magpies and the Bulldogs might have been promoting mental health awareness, but they probably needed to add heart problems to that as they played out a thriller, 7.17 (59) to 8.11 (59).
The home side was woefully inaccurate all day, although both sides missed opportunities late in the game to put themselves in front.
Joe Cavallo and Tyler Curtis were best on ground for their respective sides, with a toss of the coin needed to determine the three votes. Ash Rowe, despite being hampered by injury was huge in the final minutes trying to will the Pies across the line.
South young guns Taj Stevens and Mason Fitzgerald were impressive for the Dogs.
Mildura and Irymple were neck and neck for most of their game and the result was in doubt until the final seconds, with Irymple claiming the win 9.16 (70) to 10.6 (66).
Swallows co-coaches Dan Coghlan and Nick Mee were at their damaging best all day, while sharpshooter Nick Pezzaniti took his season goal tally to 21 after booting three.
Fresh off strong interleague performances, Mildura duo Zac Nelson and Josh Dean were prominent again, while debutant Cameron Kiel impressed kicking two goals.
Ouyen United forced the biggest upset of the day, taking the early lead against Imperials and not losing it for the remainder of the game.
Both side were inaccurate, kicking 9.14 (68) to 6.11 (47) respectively, however after establishing a 23-point lead at the main break, the Kangas forced the 2019 grand finals into a 35-point deficit at the final change.
Imps kicked 3.3 to 1.1 in the final term but it wasn’t enough to suffer their first defeat of the season.
Lachie Nankervis was outstanding in the ruck, while Dallas Willsmore (four goals) and Warrick Brady were also key contributors. Bryce Hards was the stand out for Imps.
Red Cliffs’ Tiger cubs overcame a slow start, trailing by 21 points at quarter time, to clinch a much sought after victory 9.12 (66) to 6.9 (45).
After five first quarter goals, the Eagles would kick 1.8 for the remainder of a fiery match, compared to the Tigers’ 8.8.
Jake Reed booted three for the winners and Beau Riordan, Liam Marciano and Peter Tuifao were impressive in a drought breaking win for the ages.
Justin Neyland kicked two for Robinvale Euston, with Ryan Middlebrook and Liua Polata their best.
