Marong dislodges Pyramid Hill from top rung
MARONG has claimed top spot on the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley Football Netball League’s senior footy ladder after Saturday’s 13th round win at Pyramid Hill’s Mitchell Park.
The Panthers broke the Bulldogs’ unbeaten streak in a 114-68 result.
Pyramid Hill led 32-26 at quarter-time, but it was all one-way traffic in the second as the Linton Jacobs-coached Panthers slammed on 7.2 to just three points.
The second half was evenly fought as Marong scored 5.8 and the Bulldogs added 5.3.
At the final siren it was Marong in front, 114 to 68.
Gun forward Brandyn Grenfell moved within four of the century mark after a match-high six goals for the Panthers.
Marong showed it has plenty of goalscoring punch as Nathan Devanny, Lachlan Frankel, Lachlan Lee and Ryley Taylor chipped in with two apiece.
Pyramid Hill’s only multiple goalkicker was Bailey George on three.
A Harding medallist as LVFNL best and fairest and former coach at Marong, Corey Gregg was best afield in his team’s 11th win of the year.
Lachlan Frankel, Jacob Ede, Lachlan Lee, David Johnstone and Nathan Walsh were also among the Panthers’ best.
Zac Dingwall, Brad Driscoll, Bailey George, Billy Micevski, Ashton Dye and Dylan Morison worked hard for the Nathan Fitzpatrick-coached Bulldogs.
It was a big day at Mitiamo as the Superoos and Calivil United honoured the late John Forbes, an icon of Mitiamo, the Loddon Valley FNL, and man who did so much for sport across the country.
The Superoos were also keen to mark Lucas Matthews’ 400th match of senior footy with a victory.
Mitiamo led 45-7 at quarter-time and 62-26 by half-time.
The Demons lifted their play in the third to score 3.4 to 2.1.
Mitiamo ended up clinging on for a 78-73 victory after the Jack Daley-coached Demons scored 4.1 to just three behinds in a dramatic final quarter.
Lucas Matthews and Carl Nicholson kicked three goals apiece for the Superoos.
The Demons’ attack was led by Jake Lawry, three; Jack Daley and Jacob Greenwood.
Mitiamo’s best were Luke Lougoon, Lee Dale, Jack Vinnicombe, Lachlan Twigg, Daniel Mowat and Nathan Twigg.
Alex Daniels, Jack Daley, Jake Lawry, Phil Ryan, Jordan Lea and Lachlan McAllister starred for the Demons.
Newbridge stunned Inglewood on the Blues’ turf at Inglewood’s Dissy Machinery Oval.
The Blues were desperate for victory to stay in touch with the top five, but it was the Luke Freeman-coached Newbridge which made a flying start to the contest.
Newbridge led 39-6 at quarter-time, but the Darrell Billett-coached Blues fought back to win the second term, 26-9.
Led by the play of Chris Dixon in attack, Dylan Lloyd, Caleb Sanders and Tyler McLeod it was Newbridge which took control in the vital third term.
The Maroons added 6.5 to 4.4.
A 29-point lead at the start of the final term grew to 54 by the final siren as Newbridge added 7.1 to 1.2.
Chris Dixon finished with six goals as Austin Fithall and Caleb Sanders booted four apiece.
Inglewood’s attack was led by Cody Wright on three, and Bregon Cotchett, two.
The Maroons’ best included Mitch Hocking and Austin Fithall.
Best for the Blues were Reuben Johnson, Bregon Cotchett, Charlie McGaw, Cody Wright, Luke Matheson and Thomas Kennedy.
In the battle of fourth and fifth, Bridgewater was too strong at home for Bears Lagoon Serpentine.
The Mean Machine led 36-1 at quarter-time and had opened up a 49-point margin by the long break.
Led by the play of Lachlan Allison, Callum Prest and Harry Donegan, Bridgewater scored 4.7 to 2.0 in the third term.
The Justin Laird-coached Bears lifted to win the final quarter, 34-8, but it was the Mean Machine which took the premiership points in a 102-60 result.
Josh Martyn continued his hot form by kicking six goals as Tim Wood, three; Lloyd Needs and Alex Pollock, two each, were the other multiple goalkickers.
The BLS attack was led by Andy Gladman, three, and Miggy Podosky, two.
Best for the Rick Ladson-coached Bridgewater included Emile Pavlich and Alex Pollock.
Josh Walsh, Harry Gadsden, coach Justin Laird, Darcy Poulter, James Bailey and Andy Gladman worked hard for the Bears.
Maiden Gully YCW Eagles had the bye.
Loddon Valley FNL senior footy ladder:
Marong 280 per cent, 44 points; Pyramid Hill 243, 40; Mitiamo 111, 32; Bridgewater 109, 28; Bears Lagoon-Serpentine 73, 20; Inglewood 64, 12; Newbridge 58, 12; Maiden Gully YCW Eagles 57, 12; Calivil United 72, 8.
Leading goalkickers:
96 Brandyn Grenfell, Mar.
48 Josh Martyn, B’water.
38 Bailey George, PH.
31 Jason Butty, MGYCW.
29 Andy Gladman, BLS.
28 Jacob Greenwood, CU.
26 Andy Collins, B’water; Braidy Dickens, PH.
25 Chris Dixon, New.
23 Jay Reynolds, Miti.
22 Justin Laird, BLS.
20 Kain Robins, Mar.; Ryley Taylor, Mar.
19 Nathan Devanny, Mar.
18 Steven Gunther, PH; Ryan Wellington, Miti.
17 Charlie McGaw, I’wood.
16 Wayne Mitrovic, MGYCW.
In next Saturday’s 14th round, Calivil United takes on Bridgewater at Calivil.
Mitiamo and Inglewood clash at John Forbes Oval in Mitiamo.
Maiden Gully YCW Eagles face Pyramid Hill at Marist College Bendigo.
Marong and Newbridge meet at Malone Park.
Bears Lagoon Serpentine has the bye.
Written by Nathan Dole.
