KERANG have all but secured top billing ahead of this year’s Central Murray finals series by claiming a hard-fought 20-point win over Woorinen on Saturday.
Moving two points clear of NNW United, the Blues now require just two wins from their final three matches against Koondrook-Barham, the Mallee Eagles and Swan Hill to claim their third consecutive minor premiership.
After a tight first half, Kerang kicked clear in the third quarter, booting five of the first six goals after half-time to open a 37-point lead midway through the final quarter.
Despite the growing margin, the Tigers refused to wilt, continuing to press throughout the latter stages of the match, finishing with four of the last five goals.
It was to no avail, as Kerang’s back six, led by Bradlee Pay, Lachlan Ross and Jesse Clark, absorbed Woorinen’s best punches in the 12.14 (86) to 10.6 (66) victory.
The match was the perfect precursor for both teams’ finals preparations, with a fast track and high-pressure game giving those watching the perfect indication of what to expect in September.
Ball movement would be one area both would hope to clean up in the next month, having wasted opportunities at times going inside 50.
Neither side was able to get on top around the stoppages in the first half, with Nick Lang and Lachie Gardner nullifying each other in the ruck and around the ground.
Lang got on top throughout the second half, with Kerang’s onballers Josh Nitschke, Marty Kelly and Tyson Clingan all having more influence on the game.
Woorinen had plenty of winners through the middle also, with Jye Barry producing a strong four-quarter performance to be his side’s best for the day, along with Lachlan Warburton and Henry Thompson, the latter dominating in the first half before drifting out of the game.
Arnold Kirby played a lone hand as Woorinen’s sole key forward, with William Collicoat, Josh Stone, Josh Domaille and Daniel Mase for support. Collicoat and Stone were dangerous in patches in the first half, but ultimately were well held by Kerang’s organised defence.
The Blues went with a similar forward set-up, albeit more effective after half-time, as Brett Kennedy provided a constant threat and Tom Hetherington gave his half-backs a marking target across half-forward.
Kennedy could have easily had a bigger influence on the game if not for his inaccuracy in front of goal. The Blues spread the load across nine individual goalkickers.
While Kerang’s midfield often provides plenty of drive forward, their half-back line of Pay and Clark did most of the damage to the Tigers, Pay’s return to defence coinciding with a return to form for the veteran.
It was a good day all round for the Blues’ veterans, with Ross another key contributor using his ability to read the play to double team Kirby and Gardner with Josh Hunter, while Kelly and Nitschke were also among the better players.
Although both teams appeared to get through relatively unscathed, the Tigers will be sweating on veteran Josh Stone, who limped from the field late.
Stone could potentially join a long list of Woorinen players on the sidelines, with Doug Beames, Regan Vesty, Brock McLean, Tom Langford and Clayton McCartney all missing from the Tigers’ 22 on Saturday.
SCORES
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Score |
| Woorinen | 1.2 | 5.3 | 6.5 | 10.6 | 66 |
| Kerang | 2.3 | 6.4 | 10.9 | 12.14 | 86 |
VOTES
3 – Bradlee Pay (Kerang)
2 – Jye Barry (Woorinen)
1 – Lachlan Ross (Kerang)
