Omeo District Football Netball League ladder league Swan Reach flexed its muscles in the second half, eclipsing a winless Lindenow South by 45 points during round seven at the Swan Reach Recreation Reserve last Saturday.
In a subdued first half the Swampies played with plenty of heart and fight. Despite lacking the firepower of their more skilled opponents, they trailed by just seven points at half time in a first half that yielded a disappointing five goals in near-perfect conditions.
The Swans found their mojo in the second half, kicking eight goals to one, though the winning margin was inflated by some poor kicking for goals by the Swampies, particularly in the third term.
Alex Saunders was again outstanding, gathering possessions at will and delivering with precision with his sweet striking left foot, helping himself to four goals when he found himself within range.
Peter and Keith Ritchie also finished with two goals each, Keith in his first outing for the season adding some much needed firepower with Max Solomon on the sidelines suspended.
Despite sitting on the top of the ladder, only being defeated once the season, the Swans again struggled for numbers playing with only one interchange player.
Jesse Forrester returned to the club having not played since 2015.
Saunders was joined in the best by Peter Ritchie, Michael Hayes, Che Davies, Dylan Bryant and Alex Bandiera.
Hayes is having an outstanding season in the back half, with the run and carry of Davies and Bryant pivotal in getting the ball quickly into the forward line, which suits the likes of Saunders, Solomon and Brayden Baade when they are in the team.
Best for Swampies, whose endeavour couldn’t be questioned, were Nick O’Keefe, Joel Neal, Jack Neal, Aaron Edwards, Jimma Harrington and Shane Thorpe.
It was a special day for the Neal family with father Darcy lining up with sons Jack and Joel.
Jack usually plays in Cairns, while Joel plays for Learmouth in the Central Highlands competition.
Darcy was drafted back from retirement for a memorable family day.
After a week off for the King’s Birthday long weekend, Swan Reach will resume hostilities with Omeo Benambra, this time at the Swan Reach Recreation Reserve.
Lindenow South will make the trek up the mountain to do battle with Swifts Creek who will be desperate for the points to remain in contact with the top four.
