WATCHING the initial onslaught from both sides, one could be excused for believing that Saturday’s game at Greenham Park was a top of the table encounter.
Instead, it was a battle between last-placed Cohuna and tenth-placed Balranald with nothing but pride on the line.
Cohuna’s 20-point win saw the Kangas climb off the bottom of the ladder and leapfrog Lake Boga into ninth spot.
The tackling from both outfits was intense from the first minute and stayed that way until the final siren halted hostilities.
The home side went into the game minus five of their better players from the previous week’s heroic encounter, while the Cohuna boys were bristling with confidence looking for a much-needed confidence booster.
The game was a close encounter early with the locals looking very slightly superior, mainly due the dominance of big Ben Fuller in the ruck and his strong marking around the ground.
Balranald’s Connor Soraggi was also getting plenty of the ball while Dylan Friedberger was a strong contributor around the packs for the visiting Kangas.
The many stoppages meant the game was one enjoyed by the faithful rather than those looking for an exhibition of the skills of our great game.
The visitors went to the first break just four points in front in a low-scoring contest.
It was more of the same in the second stanza, with Cohuna coach Rick Easton looking ominous as the locals were in a quandary as to who would stand the powerful forward.
The lead changed often during the term with the locals going to the main break holding just a slender two-point advantage.
The third term was an excellent one for the home side and they had many contributors in Cam Barrett, Bailey Brougham, Bryce Delmenico, Lachy Watt and Ben Barton, while Soraggi continued his good form.
The Balranald lead was stretched to eight points going into the last term but alas that was the end of the game for the home side.
The visitors had all the run in the last term while the local Roos were spent, having given their all for three quarters they could find little to combat the run of the Cohuna outfit.
Shaun McIvor continued on his merry way in the last, as did Nathan Bird, Marcus Rogers and Dylan Friedberger who was tireless.
Easton went on to notch a fine tally of seven majors in a masterful display of solid forward innovation.
Most who witnessed this encounter — whether part of the victors camp or belonging to the vanquished — would have thoroughly enjoyed this game simply for its display of endeavour and fighting spirit.
