GOLDEN Rivers Football League (GRFL) title-holders Nullawil travelled to Wandella on Saturday in another top-of-the-table clash that could ultimately decide the September destinies of both clubs this year.
The premiers were the ones retaining an unbeaten 6-0 record at full time, scoring a close 13-point win.
With the inclusion of Cam Moore in the middle, the Bombers started well, reading Nullawil ruckman Arren Kielgardie’s taps and destroying the Maroons in the midfield through the likes of Lachlan Bott, Adrian Crellin — with two first-quarter goals — and Blake Anderson’s presence across half-forward.
The visitors were being kept in the game by their efficiency going forward, with Reece Poyner proving a headache.
He kicked three goals early to stay in touch, although the Bombers were dominating a majority of field position and ball.
The Maroons’ efficiency by foot was atrocious in the first half, however.
They gave the ball back to Wandella at will, which the Bombers took with open hands.
The visitors were struggling to get through the 18-man zone defence of the Bombers, but when they did and Royce Free goaled, they were within just nine points.
Coach Scott Mathiske then slammed home a crucial goal to put the margin within one straight kick and the Maroons were pressing hard.
Bott got moved forward to end the third quarter and his goal after the three-quarter-time siren made the lead nine points to the locals at the last change.
It was anybody’s game. Desperation was high as was intensity at the ball and when Poyner kicked his fifth, a grandstand finish was on the cards.
It was a tale of two halves, though, with the Bombers dominating play in the first and the Maroons controlling the second.
Anderson moved himself on to the ball to give a bigger body in the clearances and when Justin Robinson kicked his third and replied the margin was out to eight.
Free quickly replied due to the hard-working Toby Sheahan, whose relentless running was influential all day.
Poyner then kicked his sixth to put the Maroons in front for the first time all day.
A tense few final minutes of the afternoon ensued, with supporters of both sides on the edge of their seats.
Tim Robinson simply couldn’t handle Poyner, however, as he took contested mark after contested mark and slotted goal number seven to seal a 13-point win for the Maroons.
For more local football reviews see Wednesday’s edition of The Guardian (May 22, 2013).
