Fulford a bright spot in defeat

With the flu sweeping through the Hopper camp during the week and forcing Charlie McAdam, Matt Harth, David Miles, Kris Holman and Sam Myors out of the line-up, the home team could easily have rolled over and made excuses.

But Fulford was having none of that.

The talented cricketer kicked six of North Albury’s eight goals after being promoted from the reserves to ensure another North Albury and Lavington clash went down to the wire.

Although the Hoppers ultimately fell seven points short of victory, Fulford played the match of his brief career with his celebrations in front of the Hopper faithful almost as memorable as the goals.

Lavington looked set for a comfortable win after kicking the opening two goals before Fulford sprang to life in the rain with goals at the 17, 20 and 23-minute marks to give North Albury a four-point buffer at quarter-time.

Fulford followed up with the next goal of the match at the five-minute-mark of the second term before adding another in each of the third and final quarters.

But eventually Lavington and the wise head of Matt Pendergast came up with the answers with Myles Aalbers booting the sealer in the dying minutes to stitch up a spot in the finals.

Panther coach James Saker was happy to get the job done with the picture set to look brighter after this weekend’s bye with Kade Stevens, Adam Butler, Josh Hamilton, Mitch Palmer, Jay Banks and Nico Sedgwick to return from injury.

“We came here to get four points and we’re happy to bank them,” Saker said.

“They set up with a few behind the footy and made it difficult for us to score but once we adjusted and got back to our game we were able to get on top.

“It was a slog.

“The most pleasing thing is that we were tested but still managed to scrounge out a win.”

North Albury coach Bob Craig said he was disappointed Fulford and his teammates weren’t rewarded for their effort.

“Fully (Fulford) kicked six out of eight and was really good,” Craig said.

“He’s becoming more confident about playing O and M footy and is only a young bloke.

“We wanted to make it a bit of wrestle and, in the last quarter when it needed to be won, our execution let us down.

“I was pleased with the effort, though, as I thought the boys gave it everything.”