BY NATHAN DOLE
A THIRD quarter blitz of 9.1 to 1.1 set up Kerang’s big win at Tooleybuc in Saturday’s completiton to the first round of 3SH-backed senior footy in the Central Murray Football League.
The Tooleybuc-Manangatang team applied plenty of pressure to be within 13 points of the reigning premier at half-time.
The Troy Coates-coached Kerang led 33-20 at the main break and then clicked up a few gears in the second half.
After it slammed on 9.1 in the third, Kerang added 2.2 and kept the Saints scoreless in the final term to complete a 102-27 victory.
Goalkicking details for both teams were not supplied.
Kerang’s best were Sean Hunter, Martin Kelly, Jesse Clark, Nick Lang and Ryan Gillingham.
Blake Grant, Ethan Goldfinch, David Kennedy, Mitchell Grant, Luke Walsh and Ryan Domaille played well for Tooleybuc Manangatang.
Balranald was too strong for Tyntynder at Alan Gordon Reserve in Swan Hill.
The Balranald line-up won three of four quarters on the way to a 63-35 victory.
The Kangaroos made the most of their chances in the first half as they scored 6.5 to 1.7.
Tyntynder worked hard to match Balranald’s score of 22 points in the second half.
Leading goalkickers for Balranald were Drew Lloyd, three; Ben Fuller and Ethan Gant, two.
There were no multiple goalkickers for the Bulldogs.
Best for Balranald were Ethan Grant, Matthew Neagle, Josh Hodgson, Jordan Wilkins, Jack Salau and Kobe Lloyd.
Tate Hulland, Elliot Broad, Roy George, Brock Storer, Mick Dedini and Matt Corney played well for Tyntynder.
Nyah Nyah West United was in hot form against Koondrook Barham at Nyah.
The Demons led 27-14 at quarter-time and then slammed on 4.7 to a point in the second to open a 43-point lead by the long break.
There was no let-up by NNW United in the final hour as it scored 11.8 to just three points for a 132-18 victory.
Charlie Boulton booted six goals and Liam White added five.
Bill Barry kicked both of Koondrook Barham’s goals.
Best for Nyah Nyah West United were Joel Walsh, Nicholas O’Neill, Charlie Boulton, Liam White, Kayne Davidson and Michael Bowden.
Chester Gardner, Jacob Barrington, Mitch Christensen, Scott Wood, James Martin and Jordan Bassett worked hard for the River Raiders.
Lake Boga was too strong for Mallee Eagles at Lalbert.
The Magpies led 30-14 at quarter-time and then added 3.3 to a goal in the second.
Mallee Eagles never gave up.
It was 15-13 in favour of Lake Boga in the third, but the Eagles won the last 4-3.
David Gourdis and Tyle Williams kicked two goals apiece in a 69-37 win by the Magpies.
The Eagles’ attack was led by Paul Davis on two.
Matthew Payne, Jacob Simpson, Tyle Williams, Jake Warren, Rory Colville and Nathaniel Holmes-Brown were best for the Magpies.
Billy O’Meara, Clinton Cummins, Angus McKenzie, Paul Davis, Joe Halloran and Ethan Pinchen were Mallee’s best.
The season kicked off Good Friday where Woorinen marked a 68-23 win on Cohuna’s ground.
Swan Hill had the bye.
Ladder in the Central Murray senior footy competition sponsored by 3SH:
Nyah Nyah West United 733 per cent, 4 points; Kerang 377, 4; Woorinen 296, 4; Lake Boga 186, 4; Balranald 180, 4; Tyntyner 55, 0; Mallee Eagles 53, 0; Cohuna 33, 0; Tooleybuc Manangatang 26, 0; Koondrook Barham 13, 0; Swan Hill 0, 0.
Highlight of next Saturday’s second round will be the Lake Boga and Nyah Nyah West United clash at Lake Boga Sports Club.
Kerang will unveil the 2022 premiership flag before it plays Mallee Eagles at Kerang’s Riverside Park.
Koondrook Baraham and Cohuna meet at Barham.
Swan Hill is on home turf against Tooleybuc Manangatang.
Woorinen and Tyntynder do battle on the Tigers’ turf at Woorinen.
Balranald has the bye.