A RAINY day in Manangatang couldn’t stop Nyah-Nyah West United from claiming a gritty win over Tooleybuc-Manangatang.
The day’s slippery conditions led to a ferocious contest, with the Demons able to weather the storm to win 8.16 (64) to 7.3 (45).
While the win kept NNW United’s spot in fifth place, they will need to rely on results to go in their favour to avoid Swan Hill overtaking them.
With conditions playing havoc on both sides’ ball movement, it took a while for the Demons to get their usual running game going.
Demons co-coach Corey Daniels said he was pleased with his side’s ability to adapt.
“It was a bit of a tough day out here in Manangatang, but we really found a way to get our game going,” he said.
“We were brave in our ball movement and really scrapped away for the entire game.
“All of our boys know that we want to take the game on whenever we can. We want to handball and run.
“We really get a lot better looks for the guys in our forward line when we are breaking lines and moving the ball quickly.”
Ethan Saville starred for the Demons, even while receiving close attention from a number of Saints’ players.
There would have been some worried NNW United fans in the third term, when Saville jogged from the field grasping his torso.
He returned and make a big impact in the final term.
“Saville usually picks up a few unlucky knocks in games,” Daniels said.
“He happened to catch one to the ribs early in the third term, but he came back and was able to run out the game really well.
“He’s a very tough player, really hard at the ball and puts his body on the line. He’s been fantastic for us this season.”
The Demons back line were vital in a game where structure and rebound were key, with Tooleybuc-Manangatang held scoreless in the first term.
Joel Walsh again was impressive, providing run and drive through the middle of the ground and being an intercept mark threat, despite receiving a hard tag.
But he was still able to drift across packs and cut off Saint forward forays.
Joel Campbell helped by marshalling his side’s defence, with Daniels espousing the importance of that work.
“Joel was super for us today,” he said.
“He plays such an important role for us back there. He’s a real leader behind the footy and he sets the game up really well for us.
“He understands exactly how we want to have the ground set up and when he is putting blokes in spots everyone is listening to him, which is what we need.”
The Saints may feel unlucky to not have been closer towards the end, with talls Tim Auckland and Connor McDonald giving their all to keep their side within reach.
Tooleybuc-Manangatang coach Dean Helmer said he was proud of his side taking it up to a strong NNW United.
“Tim and Connor worked really well in tandem for us, and I think out back six stood pretty tall all day as well,” he said.
“There were a few times where we really thought we could hit the front and run away with the game, but to their credit they just didn’t allow it.
“I’m proud because our boys obviously took the fight right up to them, but I’m sure they’d be pretty proud too.
“We threw the kitchen sink at them and they were really able to stand up to it.”
The Saints will need to be at their best again when they travel to Cohuna to do battle against the Kangas this week.
NNW United will take on the Mallee Eagles at home , before they face a nervous wait in round 18 to see if their finals dreams will become reality.
FINAL SIREN
| Tooleybuc Manangatang | 0.0 | 3.2 | 4.2 | 7.3 | 45 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NNW United | 2.5 | 4.10 | 6.11 | 8.16 | 64 |
VOTES
3 VOTES Ethan Saville (NNW United)
2 VOTES Joel Walsh (NNW United)
1 VOTES Connor McDonald (Tooleybuc-Manangatang)
