KONGORONG 19.17 D NANGWARRY 9.6
There was little surprise that Kongorong used its home ground advantage and greater depth to overpower the improving Nangwarry team by 71 points.
Both teams are gelling more as the season progresses with the Hawks enjoying a welcome percentage boost while the Saints booted their best tally by far of 2021. The home team stamped its authority on the contest in a second-term blitz which earned it a 33-point lead at the long break.
The visitors had some good pages of play thereafter but seldom looked like overtaking their hosts on the electronic scoreboard. As well as the two hours of play, there were ceremonies before and after the match.
Members of the Mount Gambier Community RSL conducted an Anzac ceremony with footballers, netballers, officials and umpires taking part. There was the Ode of Remembrance, playing of The Last Post, a minute’s silence and singing of Advance Australia Fair.
For his 10-goal haul, new Hawk spearhead Cam Sandercock was judged best on ground and he was awarded the coveted John Rogers Memorial Medal.
It honours the memory of the local soldier who made the supreme sacrifice during the Vietnam War in 1968.
ROBE 13.14 D HATHERLEIGH 8.14
Robe’s occupancy of top spot has lasted a further week after it defeated Hatherleigh to the tune of 30 points at the seaside.
After comfortable wins over Tantanoola and Nangwarry, the Roosters were more than a match for the Eagles who had a poor third term. None was better for the victors than newly-minted vice-captain Tom Williams who reined supreme on the ball.
It was fitting he received the inaugural David Miller Medal as best on ground. It was personally presented by the Vietnam War veteran and one-time president of the Robe Football Club.
The football and netball contests were witnessed by huge crowds as Robe was filled to capacity with long-weekend revellers. The Mid SE contests between the archrivals and near-neighbours were part of the special weekend program of Anzac Day events arranged by the Robe2Recovery veterans welfare committee.
GLENCOE 17.18 D TANTANOOLA 5.13
New Glencoe coach Frazer Scanlon finally got to sing his club’s victory song after a hard-fought home ground win by 77 points at the expense of Tantanoola.
The folk from Tigerland had a fruitless journey up the Mile Hill but there were signs for rookie coach Jak Ryan the unwanted 0-3 start to 2021 might soon change. There is undoubted talent among the Tiger teens and winning scores will soon be kicked once some of the senior recruits like Ryan himself are fit again.
The 2019 grand finalists looked much stronger with the return of former coach Zacc Cocks and they certainly did not have matters all their own way. Indeed, it was not until the third term that Glencoe was assured of victory.
Saturday was also the annual gathering of Glencoe life members.
KALANGADOO 16.7 D MOUNT BURR 4.5
The older and stronger bodies of Kalangadoo players prevailed when they hosted the previously undefeated Mount Burr outfit.
The Magpies again gave plenty of notice they should be able to extend their season deep into September. On the other hand, it was a reality check for the Mozzies after two impressive wins to start 2021.
The visitors sorely missed Millicent recruit and ex-Hatherleigh ruckman/ forward Hamish Smith who had been in good touch in their two wins over Glencoe and Kongorong. Smith is on the sidelines for several weeks as he recovers from a facial injury.
It was appropriate on the Anzac Day weekend to play a game at this venue as it is officially known as the Kalangadoo Soldiers Memorial Park.
