-By Nathan Dole
THERE were three closely-fought matches in Saturday’s second round of Golden Rivers FNL senior footy action.
Fans were treated to great contests as final margins were four, six and 11 points.
Wandella fought on to score a 77-73 victory at home against Macorna.
The Wandella Bombers led 23-13 at half-time, but Macorna dominated most of the second term and led 34-32 by the main break.
In the third it was the red and black which added 4.6, but Macorna’s tally of three goals kept it within 10 points going into the final term.
Although Macorna won the last, 21-15, it was Wandella which was up by four points at the final siren.
Bombers’ captain Kaine O’Connell and Laing Waddingham kicked two goals apiece.
Macorna’s attack was led by Luke Gray and Josh Walters on three goals.
Best for the Justin Robinson-coached Wandella were Kane Timmins, Nathan Boysen, Logan Keighran, Archer Lancaster, Adam McKenzie and Tim Robinson.
For the Tigers from Macorna it was Luke Gray, Jackson Fry and Tori Ferguson who led the way.
Others in form for the yellow and black who are jointly coached by Paul Longstaff and Shaun Haffenden were Kurt Forder, Conner Burge and Jackson Gray.
Murrabit almost upset Hay on Murrabit’s turf.
The Hay Lions roared to a 20-8 lead by quarter-time and were up 35-22 at the main break.
As Hay added 2.5 in the third term, Murrabit’s tally of 3.1 put the Blues within 11 points going into the final term.
The Jack Shannahan-coached Murrabit won the last quarter, 27-22, but it was Hay which led 74-68 when the siren sounded.
Jack Headon kicked a match-high six goals for Hay.
Murrabit’s attack was led by Adam Thomson with four majors and James Stewart on three.
Best for the Lions who are coached by Jason Aylett and James Moran were Dylan Collis, Fergus Cattanach, Tom McGufficke, Jack Headon, Cooper Scott and Daniel Stewart.
Murrabit’s best were Logan McKinnon, Austin McKerrow, James Stewart, Bailey Pengelly, Ryan Harvey and Joseph Zambelli.
It was an exciting match between Moulamein and Ultima at Moulamein Recreation Reserve.
The Moulamein Swans led 29-22 at quarter-time against the reigning premier.
Ultima lifted its workrate and scored 3.3 in the second as the Swans added 1.4.
A four-point buffer for Ultima at the start of the third term became 11 at a quarter to play.
Both teams scored 3.2 in the last as the Kangaroos clinched a hard-fought 90-79 victory.
Ryan Devereux led Ultima’s attack on four goals as Corey Grey kicked three and Darcy Farrell chipped in with two.
For Moulamein it was Matt Edwards and Adam Saunders who capped off their team-mates’ play with three goals apiece.
Best for the Mitch Seton-Stewart and Kyle Symons-coached Ultima were Corey Grey, Zac Cattlin, Jye Purtill, Thomas Bull, Martyn Cooper and Darcy Farrell.
Heath Moloney, Blake Launer, Matt Edwards, William Doquile, Xander Hartland and Trae Atkinson played well for the Brodie Tonkin and Hayden Dalitz-coached Moulamein.
A highlight of next Saturday’s third round will be the clash of the second and first-placed Ultima and Hay at Ultima from 2.25pm.
Murrabit will be at home against Wandella in the battle of the Blues and Bombers.
Macorna and Moulamein meet in the Tigers’ den.
Golden Rivers FNL senior footy ladder:
Hay 159 per cent, 8 points; Ultima 151, 8; Murrabit 112, 4; Wandella 71, 4; Macorna 82, 0; Moulamein 63, 0.
Leading goalkickers:
14 Jack Headon, Hay.
8 Adam Thomson, Murrabit.
4 Ryan Devereux, Ultima.
4 Josh Dwyer, Ultima.
4 Corey Grey, Ultima.
4 Adam Saunders, Moulamein.
4 James Stewart, Murrabit.
3 Matthew Angel, Macorna.
3 Kade Benfield, Ultima.
3 Matt Edwards, Moulamein.
3 Luke Gray, Macorna.
3 Thomas Isma, Ultima.
3 Jordan Lampi, Murrabit.
3 Harry Loughnan, Hay.
3 Laing Waddingham, Wandella.
3 Josh Walters, Macorna.