Hatherleigh 20.19 defeated Mount Burr 5.6
The supposed match of the day in the Mid South East Football League at Hatherleigh on Saturday did not live up to this status due to a one-sided battle between the ladder-leading home team and the visiting Mount Burr Mozzies.
When the final bell sounded, it was Hatherleigh which maintained its unbeaten status with a 103-point victory.
The home team was keen to do well in appreciation of the large sponsor cohort who were having their annual and ticketed event at Nigel’s Bar.
The Eagles have the largest supporter base in the MSEFL as it draws sponsors from Millicent, Southend, Beachport, Furner and beyond.
The visitors began well and took a narrow lead into the first change.
Honours were shared in the second term and the home led by six points at the long break.
However, when play resumed after the long break, Hatherleigh took full control.
The team added 15.9 while conceding a mere three behinds to make the Mozzies look anything but a major round team.
Eagles skipper Will Chay has had an injury-interrupted 2024 but was back to his best form in the pivotal match.
His younger brother Paddy kept his place at the head of the MSEFL goalkickers as his six-goal haul took his season’s tally to 26.
Their father John Chay was also all smiles on Saturday as his horse won a significant race.
Chay has a minor shareholding in “The Map” which now has a guaranteed start in the 2024 Melbourne Cup which is run on the first Tuesday in November.
Over in the Mount Burr camp, the club just listed two in the best players list: Jack Muhovics and Josh Wallis.
Mount Burr will welcome Robe to Mick and Jean Walker Oval on Saturday while Hatherleigh has the bye.
Kalangadoo 18.10 defeated Glencoe 7.8
The Max Matthews Memorial Cup has not left the Kalangadoo clubrooms since 2013 and it is staying there for a least another 12 months.
The coveted trophy honours the memory of the defender who was a premiership player at both clubs in the post-war years and was still attending matches well into old age.
The visiting Kalangadoo team made their intentions known in the first term and had 11 scoring shots to one and led by 45 points.
The Murphies made little impact thereafter and could not counter Lachy Jones who bagged seven goals.
Glencoe plays at Nangwarry in round seven while Kalangadoo hosts Kongorong.
Robe 18.13 defeated Port MacDonnell 6.8
Robe remains the stand-out team in the competition after inflicting the third consecutive defeat on Port MacDonnell.
The 77-point margin reveals the Roosters are looming as the team to beat for premiership honours.
Naracoorte recruit Sam Bates led the way for the victors with five goals.
It is rare for a country football game to feature multiple league medallists and this clash had four with Robe’s Tom Wachtel and Port MacDonnell’s Tim Sullivan, current coach Josh Woodall and four-time winner Will Macdonald.
Robe faces a tough challenge at Mount Burr in round seven while Port MacDonnell is home to Tantanoola.
Tantanoola 16.14 defeated Nangwarry 13.9
Tantanoola players finally got to sing their song with a 23-point win over Nangwarry at Tigerland.
The Tigers had the upper hand over the Saints for much of the match.
Tantanoola workhorse Braydn Reilly celebrated his 250th A Grade match and has qualified for MSEFL life membership.
Nangwarry hosts Glencoe on Saturday while Tantanoola plays at the Bay.
