A NINE goal to three first half helped Balranald keep their unbeaten start to 2023 intact, holding on for a 15-point win over Lake Boga at Greenham Park.
It’s the first time since 2010 the Roos have started a season with four straight wins and sets up a blockbuster match this Saturday against reigning premiers Kerang, also unbeaten.
After trailing by 37 points at the main break, Lake Boga would fight back in the second half, but inaccurate kicking for goal would eventually cost the visitors dearly, the final score 12.13 (85) to 9.16 (70).
The Magpies were also wasteful with the ball in general, constantly failing to hit targets going forward, particularly in the first half.
Balranald were far cleaner and more effective not only with their ball use, but their movement, with Ethan Gant, Matthew Neagle and Colin Andrews breaking the lines and moving the ball into their forward 50 with speed.
Ben Fuller was the main beneficiary, using the open forward line to his advantage and kicking six goals.
David Gourdis was equally effective at the other end of the ground, with the Magpies key forward booting five and providing a strong marking target in an impressive second-half display.
The difference between the sides was their ability to maintain possession, along with Balranald’s propensity to not only take risks in switching the play to the open side, but in also bringing the ball back into the corridor.
Lake Boga lifted their work rate in the second half, but despite dominating possession, couldn’t make it count on the scoreboard as the Roos defence, led by Jaxon Neagle, Josh Hodgson and Ryan Middlebrook, held firm.
Jacob Simpson and Jordan Wilkins both worked hard to give their midfields first use of the ball in the ruck, with Simpson eventually taking the points in a hard-fought battle.
But it was the Balranald midfield who won the day, with Gant simply superb in a best-on-ground performance.
Gant’s speed allowed him to break the game open on a number of occasions and was in stark contrast to the often one-paced Magpie midfield, while Jydon Neagle’s superior ball skills were constantly on display throughout the four quarters for the home side.
Lincoln Sieben was impressive in the Magpies’ defensive half of the ground, along with youngster Rory Colville, who was an important link player across half back in the first half.
While beaten, there was still plenty to like with Lochie Laing, Jake Warren and Ryan Fox impressing through the middle and Xavier Sherlock showing that he will be a long-term senior player up forward.
Lake Boga will face their next big test this weekend, when they host fellow top five aspirant Woorinen.
FINAL SIREN
| Balaranald | 5.2 | 9.7 | 11.9 | 12.13 | 85 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Boga | 2.4 | 3.6 | 5.11 | 9.16 | 70 |
VOTES
3 – Ethan Gant (Balranald)
2 – Jydon Neagle (Balranald)
1 – Lincoln Sieben (Lake Boga)
