WOORINEN secured a predictable 68-point victory over Tooleybuc-Manangatang at the weekend, with both teams struggling to overcome the windy conditions.
The Tigers proved far too strong for the Saints, securing their sixth win of season 2023.
Tooleybuc-Manangatang got away to an incredible start, assisted by the use of a strong breeze, and took a 19-point lead into the quarter-time break, having shown glimpses of the skills that have challenged other top teams this season.
Speaking to his players at the first change, Saints coach Dean Helmers said the game was theirs to win, if they could just hold strong in the second quarter.
But it was not to be, with Woorinen jumping out of the gate early in the second term with a goal by Douglas Beames.
The Tigers kicked seven goals in the second quarter and took a 31-point lead into the half-time break, with the Saints failing to score in the second terms.
From there, they extended their lead in every subsequent quarter, the Saints again failing to score in the third term.
Tooleybuc-Manangatang’s back line kept the Tigers in check and prevented the score from becoming a massive blowout, but their midfielders were unable to move the ball forward and their forward line barely saw the ball at all.
Woorinen, on the other hand, were fast-moving and confident, swooping in to pick up the ball every time the Saints rushed their opportunities and fumbled it.
Tooleybuc-Manangatang composed themselves in the final quarter, kicking two goals into the wind, but the Tigers kicked four and secured a 68-point victory.
Doug Beames was among the Tigers’ better players, with a four-goal haul, as was Josh Domaille and Dylan Godwin, while Jack Mazzarella, Blake Grant and Jaicob Kenny were standouts for the Saints.
Frustration dominated the Tooleybuc-Manangatang changerooms after the game, with players and fans certain that they are a much better team than the ladder or their record suggests.
Helmers called on his players to show a greater commitment to the team.
He said he believed in the group, but greater accountability was needed, even if it meant making some tough decisions.
In the Woorinen rooms it was all smiles, with Tigers coach Marcus Demaria praising his players’ effort and commitment in trying conditions.
There will be little time for celebrations, however, with Woorinen set to face the Mallee Eagles at Lalbert this Saturday, while Tooleybuc-Manangatang will be looking for their second win of the season when they host the winless Koondrook-Barham.
FINAL SIREN
| Woorinen | 1.2 | 8.10 | 11.13 | 15.18 | 108 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tooleybuc Manang | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 6.4 | 63 |
VOTES
3 votes Josh Domaille (Woorinen)
2 votes Dylan Godwin (Woorinen)
1 votes Doug Beames (Woorinen)
