AN eight-goal second quarter set up a 105-point victory for Cohuna, who proved they are again the benchmark in the Central Murray Football League.
The dominant second quarter for the Kangas blew Balranald out of the water and meant that Cohuna headed to the sheds with a comfortable 65-point lead at the main break.
Balranald were keen to bounce back after a narrow loss to Tyntynder and started the game strongly.
Drew Lloyd kicked the first goal of the match for Balranald, and despite Cohuna kicking three late goals at the end of the quarter, they were only two goals down at quarter time.
Cohuna came out a different side after quarter-time and quickly took the game away from Balranald.
Rhys Free kicked two goals within the first four minutes of the second quarter, and then when Dylan Johnstone and Ben Archard converted successfully, Cohuna had kicked four in nine minutes. Balranald fought back to try and stop the momentum, however three late goals by Joel Helman extended the margin beyond 10 goals.
Balranald battled bravely in the second half but the damage had been done.
Cohuna, after a bye, have reaffirmed pre-season predictions that they are the side to beat.
Helman kicked five goals, including three in four minutes at the end of the second quarter to put the game out of Balranald’s reach.
Free also played a huge part in the Cohuna win, kicking five goals himself including having four by the four-minute mark of the second quarter setting up the foundation for a big total for the Kangas.
Coach Neil Bradley would be extremely pleased with his team’s performance, with recruit Ben Archard, who dominated the ruck all day, looking strong.
Balranald needed to respond after half-time and were much more competitive in the second half. A few little errors also cost Balranald dearly, including a concentration lapse that led to an easy Helman goal and a free kick that resulted in a goal from the kick-in.
Lloyd battled all day for Balranald, however, the Kangas’ midfield is at another level right now. Co-coach Jydon Neagle kicked a couple of early goals for Balranald and was one of their better players
VOTES
3 votes Joel Helman
2 votes Rhys Free
1 votes Thomas Toma
