Ovens and Murray is back as a force after edging out Goulburn Valley by seven points in a pulsating interleague match.
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In the first meeting between country football’s fiercest rivals in seven years, the O and M withstood a final-term fightback to win, 12.14 (86) to 11.13 (79).
“GV people have been running around telling (everyone) they’re the better league, so proof’s in the pudding that we stuck it up them and have the bragging rights for another couple of years,” classy O and M midfielder-cum-forward Ben Speight said.
The late inclusion of Michael Newton was crucial, as he was the most dangerous key forward with three goals.
The O and M opened the biggest lead of the match of 17 points early in the final quarter, but the GV kicked three goals in eight minutes to snatch the lead.
But a wobbly goal by Collingwood VFL ruckman Lach Howe from 40 metres and then a free kick to Newton, which allowed Speight to play on, handed the O and M its first win against any league, outside of Hampden, in eight years.
We stuck it up them (Goulburn Valley) and have the bragging rights.
- Ben Speight
It’s also the league’s first successive wins in that time, an amazing stat given the O and M’s powerhouse reputation.
Defender Jono Spina won the Norm Minns Medal as the O and M’s best on ground.
“The coaches down at ‘Lavi’ just tell me to back myself I suppose and to use a bit of athleticism that I’ve got,” he said.
Michael Bordignon, Jack Di Mizio and Matt Dussin provided outstanding support in defence, along with James Saker and Michael Duncan.
The GV dominated the early stages of the second term, opening a 10-point lead, but four straight behinds proved crucial as the O and M kicked two goals to regain the lead.
A strong crowd of 1815 attended the match at Wodonga’s John Flower Oval.