TYNTYNDER handed a decisive defeat to Koondrook-Barham at the weekend, smashing the dispirited Raiders by 102 points.
The Bulldogs were never troubled, kicking five unanswered goals in the opening quarter to set the wheels of victory in motion, before continuing on with the job and record a comfortable 20.23 (143) to 6.5 (41) win.
Both teams went into the match looking to prove themselves, with Tyntynder coming off six straight losses and the River Raiders, who are yet to win a game, having suffered a debilitating 149-point defeat at the hands of Nyah-Nyah West United last round.
The outcome looked clear within the first 15 minutes of the game, however, and by quarter-time the Bulldogs had a 35-point lead and the ball had barely crossed into Koondrook-Barham’s forward half.
Tyntynder extended their lead in each subsequent quarter and by half-time held a commanding 59-point lead.
The River Raiders rallied somewhat in the third quarter, with the visitors extending their lead by just three points, but the floodgates again opened in the final quarter with the match finishing as it started – with the Bulldogs kicking five unanswered goals and keeping Koondrook-Barham goalless for the term.
The final term devolved into a scrappy contest with both sides exerting strong pressure and keeping the ball tied up, effectively halting any further momentum.
Despite the defeat, there were still positive signs for the Raiders, who lifted in the second quarter and kicked three goals to gain some forward momentum.
Their competitiveness increased in the third term with strong pressure at contests, particularly through the middle, and their fans again saw the glimpses of potential they have shown throughout the season.
Patrick Blake was one of several standout players for Tyntynder, booting five goals, while Isaiah Bull and Joshua Dwyer were not far behind, contributing three each.
Harry Simpson found plenty of possessions and was one of the keys to their success, while Matthew Gillbee staked his claim for mark of the year in the final term with a spectacular grab.
Corey Barrington was the only multiple goalkicker for the River Raiders, with two, and Bill Barry was clearly the home side’s best player, giving it everything he had in the face of a tough season.
Eli Boyd continued his breakout season to be another standout for the River Raiders, but he left the game midway through the final quarter with an ankle injury and took no further part in the match.
Finals are no longer considerations for either team. Both face tough challenges this Saturday, with Tyntynder hosting Lake Boga ahead of their final bye of the season, while Koondrook-Barham will face off against Balranald, Woorinen and Lake Boga in the final three rounds.
FINAL SIREN
| Koondrook Barham | 0.1 | 3.2 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 41 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyntynder | 5.6 | 12.7 | 15.11 | 20.23 | 143 |
VOTES
3 – Harry Simpson (Tyntynder)
2 – Isaiah Bull (Tyntynder)
1 – Matthew Gillbee (Tyntynder)
