HOWLONG sent a resurgent Jindera crashing back to earth with an impressive 27-point win over the sagging Bulldogs at Howlong on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Only a week after claiming the prized scalp of reigning premiers Henty, the Bulldogs were no match for the disciplined Spiders, who prevailed 8.10 (58) to 3.13 (31).
After slotting the opening two goals, the Bulldogs hardly gave a whimper for the rest of the match — they were restricted to a solitary goal after quarter-time.
Spiders coach Joel Price said the even nature of the competition made such early wins priceless.
Especially with Osborne, Brock-Burrum, Henty and Rand-Walbundrie looming over the next month.
“To keep them to one goal after quarter-time was a credit to the boys,” Price said.
“Obviously, the conditions were fairly ordinary but we had contributors all over the ground.
“The most pleasing thing is how we stuck to our structures and got the reward for doing that.
“I rate Jindera very highly and have no doubt they will be thereabouts at the business-end of the season.
“That’s what makes the win so satisfying.”
Howlong gained the upper hand in the midfield through the tireless work of Steve Four- acre, Rohan Davies, Hamish Clark and Beau Walker.
Fouracre, in particular, was outstanding for the home team with 30-plus possessions, including plenty of hard-ball gets in the trying conditions.
Mitta United recruit James Gray was the dominant forward on the ground and finished with three goals for the Spiders.
Zac Stuart, Dan Middleton and Michael Galvin battled hard for the visitors.
The only sour note for the Spiders was a hamstring injury to Dave Hansford.
He joins Jackson Bird and Daniel Hibberson on the sidelines after the pair suffered a similar fate last weekend.
CDHBU scored a thrilling four-point victory over Murray Magpies at Coreen.
Will McGrath kicked the only goal of the final quarter, but it wasn’t enough to get the Magpies over the line in a low-scoring slogfest.
Power coach Damien Payne led from the front with three goals, and that was the difference with goals at a premium.
Holbrook and Walla also fought out a thrilling contest at Holbrook, with the Brookers finally prevailing by a solitary point.
Wodonga Raiders recruit John Spencer made a sparkling debut for the home team with four goals.
Walla failed to score in the first quarter, but fought back, mainly through the efforts of Josh Lieschke, Sam Crawshaw and Ethan O’Donnell.