AFTER two lacklustre weeks, Balranald returned to form in style against the much-improved Tooleybuc-Manangatang to claim a 27-point win amid a battle for second spot.
The Roos came into the much under pressure after a three-point win over winless Koondrook-Barham and a disappointing one-point loss to Woorinen, with the in-form Saints expected to give last year’s runners-up another tough contest.
But an eight-goal-to-three first half by Balranald, along with the returns of key players Kobe Lloyd and Jordan Wilkins to the midfield, proved the difference.
The visitors extended their lead to 46 points at three-quarter-time to put the game beyond reach, before Tooleybuc-Manangatang added some respectability to the scoreboard, which read 13.14 (92) to 9.11 (65) at full time.
After co-coach Jydon Neagle expressed his disappointment at his team’s round 6 loss to Woorinen, he was much more upbeat about his team’s attack on the ball and ability to maintain possession coming to the fore.
“We knew they (Tooleybuc-Manangatang) were going to be a challenge and we wanted to respond after the last two weeks,” Neagle said.
“We had our physicality up, our defence was strong and we got back to playing our brand of footy which helped us get the win.
“Both teams were very physical, but our back six stood up amazingly well and our composure coming off half-back and going forward was a major positive.
“‘Larry’ (Wilkins) being back in the team was huge as well and helped our midfield get first touch, which was a huge change on the week before when we had Drew (Lloyd) going up against Arnie (Kirby).
“(Connor) McDonald is a very handy footballer, especially around the ground and not just in the ruck, but he (Wilkins) made it an even contest for us and helped us get our hands on the ball out of the centre and around the stoppages.
“The fact that our skill level was up compared to the last few weeks made a huge difference as well, especially going inside our forward 50.”
Kobe Lloyd had a major impact on the game and was a clear standout in his return from injury, setting the tone from the first bounce with his grunt work around the stoppages.
Both onball brigades worked hard around the stoppages, with Blake Grant and Kai Kearns among the Saints’ better players, while Matthew Neagle, Harrison Soraggi and Mason Fitzgerald helped the Roos control possession, particularly in the first half.
While Balranald’s back six worked hard all afternoon, Tooleybuc-Manangatang key forward Josh Williams proved a constant threat, kicking five goals.
It could quite easily have been more, however, having missed several opportunities to cut the margin further.
Harrison Maher was another Saint to impress, the attacking half-back showing his consistency with his run out of defence and his ability to set up play further afield.
As effective as Maher and Jackson Morris were in defence for the Saints, Jaxon Neagle, Ryan Middlebrook and Jack Jones were equally impressive, with Neagle again commanding the game with his ability to intercept mark and rebound for the Roos.
While Balranald supporters would have been happy with what they witnessed, the news wasn’t all good with Bill Parry injuring his calf and looking at yet another stint on the sidelines, the utility almost certain to miss Saturday’s home game against the Mallee Eagles.
SCORES
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Score |
| Tooleybuc-Manangatang | 2.4 | 3.6 | 4.7 | 9.11 | 65 |
| Balranald | 4.3 | 8.8 | 11.11 | 13.14 | 92 |
VOTES
3 – Kobe Lloyd (Balranald)
2 – Matthew Neagle (Balranald)
1 – Josh Williams (Tooleybuc-Manangatang)
