AN inaccurate Balranald could have kicked themselves out of a finals berth, suffering an 11-point loss to Tyntynder at Alan Garden Reserve on Saturday.
In an uncharacteristic performance, last year’s grand finalists missed several easy set shots to end the first quarter with 1.5 and trailing by 13 points.
Although Balranald would reduce that margin to just two points by half-time, their inaccuracy continued to plague them, with Tyntynder eventually claiming victory despite having four less scoring shots – 13.8 (86) to 10.15 (75).
The loss leaves Balranald’s hopes of returning to the finals hanging by a thread, with Cohuna overtaking the Roos in fifth on percentage and both clubs having just two games remaining.
It was a disappointing display from Balranald, according to co-coach Jydon Neagle, who was candid about his team’s performance.
“We had patches where we moved the ball well and like we should as a senior side,” Neagle said.
“Unfortunately, that was outweighed by the amount of very poor turnovers and poor skill errors from our side.
“We just missed too many easy set shots on goal early on and overall, our day was just not up to senior standard.
“To ‘Rourkey’ (Jack O’Rourke) and Tyntynder’s credit, they made us pay, which they should.”
Tyntynder coach O’Rourke shared the sentiment, praising key forward Jason Eagle’s six-goal haul on his return to the side.
“Everything went well for us, (Balranald) kicked themselves out of it in the first quarter,” O’Rourke said.
“They missed a heap of easy set shots and we were so lucky they missed them, because that gave us our buffer on the scoreboard for most of the game.
“I felt we were a bit better in transition and Jason Eagle was huge for us too.
“I felt he was the difference, he was strong up forward and provided us with a good target. Both he and Mick Dedini, they just win their positions every week and they were huge again for us.”
Although Balranald had the better of possession through the middle, with Kobe Lloyd, Ian Fuller, Harrison Soraggi and Lachlan Lellman all strong contributors, the home side’s ball use proved telling, with the Roos constantly turning the ball over in crucial areas.
One of the players to make the visitors pay was Isaiah Bull, who turned in a best-on-ground performance for the Bulldogs.
Bull continued his good recent form, with his ability to break the game open on the outside and clever ball use on full display.
Also among Tyntynder’s better players was Matthew Gillbee, Brock Storer and Matthew King, with Balranald intercept defender Jaxon Neagle named as the Roos’ best player.
With Balranald having the bye this Saturday, they must now defeat both Woorinen and Tooleybuc-Manangatang in the final round if they are to be any chance of climbing back inside the top five.
Tyntynder’s finals hopes also remain alive, although they must win their remaining three games, including this weekend’s match against Lake Boga, and hope other results go their way.
SCORES
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Score |
| Tyntynder | 4.0 | 6.4 | 10.7 | 13.8 | 86 |
| Balranald | 1.5 | 5.8 | 7.13 | 10.15 | 75 |
VOTES
3 – Isaiah Bull (Tyntynder)
2 – Jason Eagle (Tyntynder)
1 – Mick Dedini (Tyntynder)
