Ladder leader Swan Reach has scored one of its most significant wins of the season, defeating second-placed Omeo Benambra
in round 13 of the Omeo District Football Netball League by 18 points at the Omeo Recreation Reserve.
The Swans have only lost three matches for the season, two of those being at altitude where they have been outplayed by both Swifts Creek and Omeo Benambra.
The other was against Bruthen at home several weeks ago where undisciplined acts robbed them of a comfortable victory.
The significance of the victory in the mountains indicates the Swans are keen and hungry for success, players prepared to travel and commit to the cause which isn’t always the case with teams that travel to that region during the middle of winter.
It was a match of fluctuating fortunes, the Alpine Ranges looking to hold the advantage at three quarter time when they led by 17 points, but the classy Swans kicked into gear, led by the unstoppable Alex Saunders who finished with match with six goals in a best-on-ground performance.
Swan Reach kicked seven goals to one in the final 25 minutes to win run away by 18 points in an outstanding performance.
Harley Whelan was again impressive
playing close to goal, leading straight up
the middle to provide a great target for Saunders and Daniel Hayes to hit on the chest, kicking straight and slotting five goals in an polished effort.
Daniel Hayes and Boris Bryant also kicked two each for the Swans, while Aidan Hayward had a day out in the forward 50 for the Alpine Ranges finishing with seven majors,
with Hudson Collins and Ryan Coles slotting two each.
Best players for the winners were Saunders, consistent skipper Michael Hayes, Jamie Mohamad, Whelan, Mark Cooper and
Peter Ritchie.
The Alpine Ranges were well served by Hayward, Collins, Travis Balmer, ruckman Campbell Ahsam, swingman Brandon Betts and Sam Heffernan.
After an even first term the Swans led by 11 points at half time, only for the Ranges to come out with purpose in the third term, five unanswered goals setting up what looked
like possibly a match-winning break, but it wasn’t to be.
With two rounds remaining Swan Reach looks assured of a top of the ladder finish, even if it can’t overcome current boom side Swifts Creek at home this week, as on current form the Swans should account for Bruthen in the final round if they are disciplined and hold their nerve.
Omeo Benambra should also finish in the top two with an attractive percentage and winnable matches against Bruthen (home) and Lindenow South (away) to end the season.
