BRIDGEWATER won a fiercely-fought contest with Marong in Saturday’s sixth round of senior footy action in the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley Football Netball League.
The Panthers and Mean Machine were primed for a top contest at Discover Marong Park and did not disappoint.
Marong led 22-20 at quarter-time, but Bridgewater gained a 60-47 lead by the long break.
The Mean Machine held a 10-point buffer going into the last term and worked hard to score 3.5 to 2.1 to complete a 97-77 victory.
A premiership-winning coach with Bridgewater, Andy Collins again showed how vital he is to the club’s fortunes in 2021 as he kicked four goals.
Nic Hall and Harry McKinley chipped in with two each.
Marong’s attack was led by Michelsen medallist and Eaglehawk premiership winner Kain Robins with three goals as Adrian Pappin added two.
Best for Bridgewater were Jarrod Fitzpatrick, Alex Powell, Jake Rusbridge, Tom Dowd, Zeb Broadbent and Tom Broadbent.
The Panthers’ best were Nathan Devanny, Harry Graham, former coach Corey Gregg, David Johnstone, Adam Ward and Josh Cooper.
Mitiamo was too strong for Maiden Gully YCW Eagles at Marist College Oval.
The Superoos led 39-18 at quarter-time and 62-33 by the long break.
It was the crucial third quarter in which the Superoos seized control as they scored 4.2 to a goal.
Maiden Gully YCW won the final term, 17-15, but Mitiamo the match, 15.13 (103) to 8.8 (56).
The in-form Tyrone Downie led Mitiamo’s attack on four goals as Tim Brooks, Brent Downie and Luke Lougoon added two each.
Sole multiple goalkicker for the Eagles was Luke Gray on two.
Mitiamo’s best were Lee Dale, Matt Wiegard, Lachlan Woodward, Max Simpson, Braydan Riddell and Dylan Mutu.
Best for the Eagles were Travis Mercadante, Tom and Tori Ferguson, Nathan Murley and Steve Turner.
Newbridge’s winless run ended as the Maroons scored a 100-30 victory on Inglewood’s turf at Dissy Machinery Oval.
The Maroons charged to a 40-nil by quarter-time.
Inglewood hit back to win the next term, 20-7, but a six-goal haul as it kept the Blues to a point in the third quarter was a telling blow for Newbridge.
Chris Dixon and James Oliver kicked three goals apiece as Logan Dixon and Harry Whittle chipped in with two each for Newbridge.
The Blues’ attack was led by Josh Taig on three.
Best for Newbridge were Mitch Hocking, Logan Dixon, Ryan Burt, Ricky Cathie, Harry Whittle and Dylan Lloyd.
Jasper McClelland, Tom Alexander, Taig, Taj Rodwell, Daniel Lloyd and Aaron Lister worked hard for Inglewood.
Five goals for Andrew Gladman, and four-goal hauls by Tannar Cerrone and Darcy Poulter capped a 41-point win for Bears Lagoon Serpentine at home against Calivil United.
The Demons led 11-7 at quarter-time, but would rue inaccuracy.
Scoring shots were 11-9 in the Bears favour as they led 6.5 (41) to 1.8 (14) at half-time.
Calivil United struck back to be within 14 points at a quarter to play, but it was BLS which finished strongly to record a 102-61 victory.
The Demons’ attack was led by Ben Baker on three.
Best for the Bears were Nathan Twigg, Zac Stone, Poulter, Cerrone and Jesse Evans.
Brady Childs, Jake Lawry, Ryan Brunker, Bailey Greenwood, Rhys Lourie and Ben Baker played well for Calivil United.
Pyramid Hill had the bye.
Standings in the Loddon Valley FNL senior footy competition:
Mitiamo 352 per cent, 24 points; Bridgewater 352, 20; Pyramid Hill 331, 16; Marong 155, 12; Bears Lagoon Serpentine 117, 12; Maiden Gully YCW Eagles 92, 8; Newbridge 51, 4; Calivil United 15, 0; Inglewood 15, 0.
Match of the day in next Saturday’s seventh round will be Mitiamo against Pyramid Hill at John Forbes Oval in Mitiamo.
The winless run for Calivil United or Inglewood will be ended as the Demons host the Blues at 5 Star Stockfeeds Oval in Calivil.
Bridgewater clashes with Maiden Gully YCW Eagles at Bridgewater Bakehouse Oval.
Marong takes on Bears Lagoon Serpentine at Discover Marong Park in Malone Park.
Newbridge has the bye.
Written by Nathan Dole