BOORT Magpies swooped and beat Donald on the Royals’ turf in Saturday’s third round of the Goldacres North Central Football League season.
After a tough start in which it met Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers and then Birchip Watchem, the Andy Hawker-coached Boort played brilliant football to score a 58-56 victory at Donald.
The Magpies led 44-26 at half-time, but the Royal Blues fought back to score 2.5 to a point in the crucial third quarter.
Both teams added two goals in a dramatic final term.
Greater accuracy was a key factor as the Magpies won 8.10 (58) to 7.14 (56).
Boort’s attack was led by Will Perryman, three; Braeden Deary and Cody Gunn, two.
Best for Boort were Keirin Wilson, Alex Davis, Matt Chisari, Tom Potter, Jack Smith and Darcy Hawker.
Donald’s fightback was led by Daniel Pearce, Daniel Venditti, Ross Young and Jordan Bath.
The Magpies players, officials and fans celebrated the club’s first victory since a 24-point triumph on Charlton’s turf on June 16 in 2018.
It was Boort’s second and final win of that season.
A confident Magpies’ line-up treks to Wycheproof for next Saturday’s clash with the Demons.
The rematch of 2019 grand finalists, Sea Lake Nandaly and Birchip Watchem was decided by less than a goal in the Bulls’ pen at George Cartwright Oval in Birchip.
Just as they did in the duel for the premiership cup, the Tigers reigned supreme, 10.10 (70) to 10.6 (66).
The Tigers led 48-30 at half-time and by 14 points at the final change.
The Bulls charged in the last, but Sea Lake Nandaly fought well to take the points.
Leading goalkickers for the Tigers were Wade Donnan and Will Simpson on three.
The Bulls’ Will Sheahan kicked a game-high five goals.
Best for the Tigers were Ryan O’Sullivan, Wade Donnan, Matt Elliott and John Summerhayes.
Will Sheahan, Stefan Pye, Dale Hinkley and Sam Simmons played well for Birchip Watchem.
St Arnaud outran Wycheproof Narraport in the final term to score a two-goal victory on the Saints’ turf at Lord Nelson Park.
The Saints led 19-13 at quarter-time and 37-27 by the long break.
Wycheproof Narraport hit back to win the third term by 14 points.
It was the Saints who finished brilliantly.
St Arnaud scored 5.1 to 2.3 in the last term to cap a 74-62 victory.
Tom Douglas kicked five goals for the Saints as Angus Grant added three.
The Demons’ attack was led by Lachlan Allison, Corey Jones and Joel Turner on two.
Best for St Arnaud were Tom Bertalli, Angus Grant, Harley Durward, Lachlan McQuilken, William Bertalli and Nic Birthisel.
Tom Trewin, Boe Bish, Jed Bish and Guy Chisnall played well for Wycheproof Narraport.
Wedderburn won at Charlton Park by 22 points.
Regardless of form or ladder position, the Redbacks and Blues usually have a terrific battle.
Saturday’s showdown for premiership points was no exception as Wedderburn won 11.12 (78) to 8.8 (56).
Tom Campbell and Will Holt kicked three goals apiece for Wedderburn as Isaac Holt added two.
Charlton’s attack was led by Rhys Thompson, four, and Riely Thiesz, two.
The Redbacks’ best were Tom Campbell, the in-form Jordan Rosengren, Danny Benaim and Jordan Hargreaves.
Best for the Navies were Rhys Thompson, Kade Blow, Riely Thiesz and Anthony Judd.
Standings in the North Central FL senior footy competition:
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 290 per cent, 12 points; Wedderburn 156, 10; Birchip Watchem 195, 8; Donald 115, 8; Wycheproof Narraport 53, 4; St Arnaud 51, 4; Boort 47, 4; Charlton 40, 0.
In next Saturday’s fourth round, St Arnaud is at home again to take on Charlton.
Wedderburn tackles Birchip Watchem at Donaldson Park.
Wycheproof Narraport and Boort clash at Wycheproof.
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers face Donald at Sea Lake.
Written by Nathan Dole.