IN AN enthralling contest in which both teams had chances to consolidate on a sizeable lead, Swan Hill and Tyntynder could not be separated when the final siren sounded.
A brief meeting in the centre of the ground at game’s end resulted in goal umpires correcting the scoreboard that had initially indicated the narrowest of victories to the home team.
The moments that followed provided a quick reality check for both teams.
The Swans brief moment of elation was quickly eroded with the realisation that a come from behind win that was within reach was not achieved, while for their opponents knowing a defendable last term’s lead had been not been enforced would have been sinking in.
The fact was each had let an extra two valuable premiership points slip away.
In a first half of contrasting fortunes both teams looked as though they were going to win, and win comfortably.
Taking full advantage of a 3-4 goal wind the Dogs scored in the opening minute thanks to onballer Dave Andrivon.
Jesse Hawkins followed up soon after and the visitors were full of running.
Andrivon again capitalised on a turn-over on the Swans’ forward line and the margin was suddenly 20 points.
To the Swans’ credit they were able to steady and pinch two goals of their own.
Callan Beasy and Xavier Moloney were instrumental in the Swans pushing forward on both occasions, with Matthew Battenally, then Justin Davies converting.
The margin was back to less than two goals.
Andrivon again cut loose to slot through his third and fourth goals, and the visitors went to the break with a handy 21 point buffer.
Tyntynder had been able to regularly instigate the switch of play to advantage with players in the corridor converting their opportunities.
Led by Dean Pound the back half was full of run and the ball was moved with speed and precision.
Swan Hill would have been pleased to trail by less than four goals.
For more on this and other Central Murray games from round eight, see Monday’s edition of The Guardian (June 17, 2013).
