TYNTYNDER have scored a much-needed win, beating Tooleybuc-Manangatang by two goals in a wet and slippery battle.
The Bulldogs started slowly, but fought their way back into the game in the second half to hold on to win 9.9 (63) to 7.9 (51).
The third term, in which the Bulldogs kicked five goals to one, was integral to Tyntynder’s win.
Bulldogs coach Josh Stone said his side got back into the game after winning the midfield battle.
“We were a bit slow out of the blocks,” he said. “We really didn’t bring our effort in the first quarter. But I think after that we sort of kicked into gear.
“We really got on top of the contest in the third, our midfield really knuckled down to give us a chance to beat them in the overlap run and create turnovers.”
In what was a tightly fought first half, the Saints gained the early ascendancy. Jack Mazzarella and Rory Alexander worked hard through the rain to help their side carry a four-point lead into half-time.
The pair took up the contest all game, as did forward Joshua Williams, who finished the game with four goals to his name.
The contest between Bulldogs key forward Jason Eagle and Tooleybuc-Manangatang’s Jaicob Kenny lasted all game, with the Saint’ defender applauded for his job.
Eagle kicked two for the game, as did midfielder Roy George, who his coach described as brilliant.
“It was pretty slippery all day,” Stone said. “But Roy made it look like it was dry out there.
“He kicked our first two goals and the conditions didn’t really affect him, he was just playing like himself. He was brilliant.”
But the wet conditions led to a largely defensive game, and stand-in Tyntynder captain Elliot Broad made his mark when called on.
With Elia Ware missing the match with a hip injury, Broad turned the game around in the third term. His defensive work, with the help of Matthew Gilbee, allowed the Bulldogs’ forwards to kick away before three-quarter time.
But Tooleybuc-Manangatang were still up for the fight. The Saints applied early forward pressure in the final term, but were unable to make it count on the scoreboard.
While they kept the Bulldogs goalless in the final term, Tyntynder’s defenders were able to hold on to claim the win.
Stone said the win was a great momentum builder against a tough opponent.
“It wasn’t a pretty one at all but we really needed the win,” he said. “It’s great to be able to walk away with the four points here at home.”
Tyntynder will hope to carry this momentum forward into their round 8 clash with Mallee Eagles, while the Saints face second- placed Balranald.
FINAL SIREN
| TYNTYNDER | 3.3 | 4.6 | 9.7 | 9.9 | 63 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOOLEYBUC-MANANG | 4.2 | 5.4 | 6.6 | 7.9 | 51 |
VOTES
3 – Roy George (Tyntynder)
2 – Elliot Broad (Tyntynder)
1 – Jaicob Kenny (Tooleybuc-Manangatang)
