TOOLEYBUC-Manangatang have snapped a five-game losing streak with a hard-fought 13-point win against Lake Boga on a rainy day in Manangatang.
After trailing by a single point at quarter time, the Saints led at every other break to grab their seventh win of the year, 12.5 (77) to 9.10 (64).
The Saints were able to quickly put their recent scoring woes aside, half-forward Mitchell Grant bagging four goals including the game’s opening goal.
Grant was a force for the Saints on the half-forward flank, adding numerous score involvements to his season high haul.
In a back and forth first quarter, Lake Boga midfielder Zac Warne slotted the Magpies first goal, an on-the-run finish displaying his ability to do damage on the scoreboard.
The two teams continued to go goal-for-goal in the game’s early stages, with a goal to Connor Nutting, and two to Josh Williams pushing the lead out to 18 points.
But Lake Boga were able to regain the momentum late in the quarter, kicking three late goals to trail by the slimmest margin at the first break.
William Doquile started the early fightback by snapping a goal from a forward-pocket throw-in, before Kobe Ryan and Lachlan Burns levelled the scores as the rain was unleashed.
While the rain dissipated to start the second term, conditions remained slippery and getting a handle on the ball remained difficult – the Saints doing better in the weather for the quarter.
The Saints piled on the goals in the second, but put an end to the shoot-out like nature of the first half, kicking five goals to the Magpies single major before half-time.
It was the Magpies who opened the scoring for the quarter, when Jayden Lonergan converted a set-shot early in the term.
But Tooleybuc-Manangatang were relentless in their pressure on Lake Boga’s forwards, swarming on the ball and not allowing the Magpies players to have too much time with ball in hand.
Jackson Morris kicked the first of his two goals, slamming the ball through the sticks after a goal-square scramble, as the constant drizzle turned to a downpour.
Jesse Wilson converted a simple set-shot after being awarded a free-kick, followed by Jackson Morris’ second goal – running past and receiving a handball from Zach Prentice.
Two more goals pushed the lead out to 23 points at half-time, but Lake Boga turned up the pressure in the third quarter – kicking three unanswered goals before three-quarter time.
A late inclusion to the team, David Gourdis was rewarded with two goals, having lead up the ground all day and providing a key outlet for the Magpies out of defence.
The strong performance for the quarter saw the margin return to just five points at the final break,Lake Boga on-baller Zac Warne continuing his strong form.
Skipper Nathaniel Holmes-Brown was also impressive through the centre, while defender Joshua Wills and Jayden Lonergan were two of the Magpies stronger performers.
The Magpies youngsters continued to gain experience at the club, Lake Boga’s Will Pye and Max O’Reilly putting in good showings in their senior debuts for the club.
While Lake Boga had much of the run in the final term, they were unable to make it count when it mattered – managing just one goal and five behinds for the last quarter.
The Saints, however, were able to convert their shots, kicking three goals and one behind from their four scoring shots to claim the win.
Connor McDonald continued to stake his claim as the league’s most dominant ruckman, gaining the upper hand at stoppages and adding two goals to his performance.
Both Blake and Gareth Grant also impressed for the Saints, while midfielder Elliot Chalmers and rebounding defender Rydar Morris were also in the best players.
While both teams have just one game remaining for the year, their Round 18 matches may have some say on the finals series – the Saints travelling to Balranald, and the Magpies hosting Mallee Eagles.
SCORES
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Score |
| Tooleybuc-Manangatang | 4.2 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 12.5 | 77 |
| Lake Boga | 4.3 | 5.4 | 8.5 | 9.10 | 64 |
VOTES
3 – Mitchell Grant (Tooleybuc-Manangatang)
2 – Connor McDonald (Tooleybuc-Manangatang)
1 – David Gourdis (Lake Boga)
