There were big wins for the top three sides in Omeo District Football Netball League round eight action, highlighted by another huge win for the unbeaten Omeo Benambra.
Winless in 2024, Swan Reach took up the challenge against the Alpine Ranges at the Omeo Recreation Reserve, trailing by just a goal at quarter time in a quick and open game which was controlled early by the opposing half back lines.
Omeo lifted the tempo in the second quarter, despite having numerous players out unavailable, as they began to use their running game to maximum effect with coach Josh Piper (seven goals) the beneficiary of some quick and precise ball movement.
The Ranges booted 18 goals to three in the final three quarters, highlighted by a final term of nine as they cruised home by 98 points against a gallant and courageous Swans.
James Cottrell was again prominent in his second match for the year, finishing with three goals, while gun forward Harry Warfe only added one, taking his season’s total to 49.
One suspects the talented Warfe will begin to spend more time in the midfield as the tags become heavier in the coming weeks.
He’s already shown his value at centre bounces and stoppages in his first eight matches with the Alpine Ranges.
Ruckman Campbell Ahsam returned after a two-week absence and quickly got back in the groove, combining well with hard nut Jordan Robertson, Cottrell, William Cook, and former Wy Yung and Swifts Creek junior, Jack Batty.
Christopher Wheeler was again impassable across half back, while it was great to see Riley Steenholdt return after two years out of the game.
Steenholdt was in the top three players in the competition when he suffered a serious knee injury in round eight of the 2022.
Peter Ritchie, Michael Hayes, Jarrod Marturano, Che Davies, Jake Whelan and Dylan Whelan were the better players for the Swans.
After an even first quarter Lindenow South kicked four goals to one in the second term at home to establish a break over Swifts Creek.
The Demons came out smarting after half time as the match became a shootout of sorts in the third term, the Swampies kicking six goals to four, eventually getting home in workmanlike fashion by 40 points.
Both sides unveiled new recruits. Former Lindenow player Mark Baylis kicked six goals in his debut for the Swampies, while former Paynesville livewire Corey Pescod, contributed a couple.
Former Bruthen swingman Jay Robbie debuted for the Demons, kicking a goal in a low-key return to High Country football.
Best players for the Swampies were Jamie Donnelly, defender Daniel Howe, coach Nathan Pollard, Baylis, Jake St John and Jack Heard, while Swifts Creek was well served by Richard Crabtree, Andrew Sandy (three goals), skipper Beau Hack, veteran Brodie Cameron, Mark Cooper and Josh Westland.
Third placed Bruthen hosted fourth ranked Buchan with many giving the Cavemen a chance of causing an upset with the Bulldogs’ recent form a little below expectation.
That thought was quickly dispelled as the Bulldogs kicked eight goals to one, eventually winning by an impressive 108 points.
Nigel Pearce (four), Brock Conn and Darcy Spong (three each) were all busy around the goals for Bulldogs, as the side put together four consistent quarters of football for the first time in a number of weeks.
Luke Sutton returned to club after many years of absence and was delighted to line up with his former 2009 under 16 premiership teammates Dylan Hack, Spong, Zac Svetlik and Matt Arnold, who was clearly best afield.
Conn, classy half back Wil Matthews, Pearce, Svetlik, and former Paynesville player Caleb Marsh were all prominent four-quarter performers.
Former Broadbeach player Cooper Parkes debuted for the Cavemen and looks a likely type, joined in the best by Michael Stevenson, half back Luke Howes, Jake Reynolds, the consistent Shaun Coleman and Caleb Ingram.
NETBALL
Omeo Benambra caused an upset of sorts, defeating the previously unbeaten Swan Reach in a hard-fought clash.
The Alpine Ranges gained an early advantage of the back of plenty of pressure, which created turnovers, winning by 15 goals.
The Swans still sit on top of the ladder, but the Ranges are only a game away, breathing down their neck.
Third ranked Lindenow South humbled the winless Swifts Creek by 39 goals, while Bruthen held off a determined Buchan by 12 goals.
The fourth placed Bulldogs now sit three and half games clear of the Wilmas in fourth spot, with a finals spot looking forlorn.
THIS WEEK
The competition will enjoy a bye this week, courtesy of the King’s Birthday holiday. Play will resume on Saturday, June 15.
Matches on that day will include Buchan and Lindenow South, Swan Reach hosting reigning premier Swifts Creek, and another addition of Omeo Benambra versus Bruthen.
