KERANG solidified their stance as premiership favourites in a seven-point victory over a gallant Woorinen, continuing the Blues’ unbeaten start to 2023.
With persistent overnight rain soaking the Woorinen Recreation Reserve, the visitors handled the slippery conditions best, winning 9.3 (57) to 7.8 (50).
While the Tigers had their chances, they were unable to make the most of their opportunities, despite controlling the match for large periods during the second, third and fourth quarters.
Kerang had no such problems, with a five-minute burst of dominance helping the Blues wrestle back the momentum midway through the third term, booting four of their nine goals in the process.
This period of the game proved the difference, with Woorinen having briefly taken the lead before Kerang regained the ascendancy.
With Nick Lang and Troy Davis both missing from the Blues line-up, their absence cleared the way for Tiger ruckman Lachie Gardner to have a big impact on proceedings against makeshift duo Sam Nitschke and Michael Dalrymple.
While both were solid, with the latter providing a strong marking target in the forward half for much of the afternoon, it was Gardner who was the most influential big man on the ground, threatening to break the match open in the second half.
As good as Gardner was however, he was no match for the speed and class of Kerang’s Josh Nitschke, who was unstoppable in the midfield, particularly in the first half.
Josh Hann and Sam Heavyside were also instrumental in Kerang’s ball movement, the visitors constantly trying to run the ball by hand and bring it back through the corridor despite the wet conditions.
Woorinen found it more difficult to move the ball forward with purpose, at times overusing the ball by hand, which only invited more pressure.
The Tigers were also bringing the pressure during the at times scrappy, stoppage-filled contest, but that was also a result of them being second to the ball.
William Collicoat (two goals) was providing a strong target for Woorinen when they did get the ball inside their forward 50, while Doug Beames (three goals) was instrumental in playing the role of lead-up forward for the home side.
The Tigers were also well served by their regularly consistent onballers, with Robbie Miller, Josh Domaille and Jye Barry once again among their better players, along with Robert Rush and Henry Thompson, who provided plenty of drive out of the defensive half of the ground.
Along with Nitschke, Hann and Heavyside, the Blues were well served by Hayden Hall, who finished with three goals, Josh Hunter and Rylee Smith.
The news wasn’t all good for Kerang however, with Troy Coates failing to take part in the second half, along with Tom Dunham, who injured his shoulder and will be in some doubt to take his place against Koondrook-Barham this Saturday.
FINAL SIREN
| WOORINEN | 1.2 | 3.5 | 5.5 | 7.8 | 50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KERANG | 3.1 | 5.2 | 9.2 | 9.3 | 57 |
VOTES
3 – Josh Nitschke (Kerang)
2 – Josh Hann (Kerang)
1 – Lachlan Gardner (Woorinen)
