Country Footy Wrap

By Peter Argent | May 14

A heart-stopping match of the round in the Hills Football League Division 1 competition saw Mount Lofty overcome Nairne-Bremer by just four points at the Arkaba Oval, Heathfield.

Kicking up the hill, Nairne-Bremer’s Ben Powell scored a goal in the opening 20 seconds; and were eight points up at the first break after three straight goals in the opener.

In a low-scoring affair, they still held a seven-point advantage in overcast and drizzly conditions at half-time., and the match was still up for grabs when Mount Lofty kicked three goals to one in the third quarter to lead by nine points.

Despite two goals by Elijah Horrocks in the last quarter, the Rams are still win-less after five rounds.

Daniel “Speedy” Gonzales became the hero for Mount Lofty, kicking the match winner, with the final scoreboard reading Mount Lofty 9.13 (67) defeating Nairne-Bremer 9.9 (63).

Lofty’s experienced Sam Miles was the host’s best followed by Brad Birch, Reece Lillecrapp and the feisty Michael Pope.

Isaiah Rupcic was outstanding for the Rams, as was Kurt Waterman, while Horrocks, who finished with three goals, defender William Hooper and Jack Hourigan were gallant.

Choc-full of star power, the Hahndorf Magpies had a big 10-goal win over Onkaparinga Valley at home.

Former South Adelaide forward Darcy Hourigan kicked three goals in the win while high-profile footballers Kyle Cheney, Matthew Jaensch and Michael Handby, along with Matthew Virgara, were all significant contributors.

Best for the Bulldogs were former Norwood premiership player Ben Jeffries, along with Nathan Cox and Damian Green.

On the back of an 11-goal haul, Echunga had a big 70-point win over Lobethal in what was a best-on- ground effort by Joel Aish.

Clint Guy and Dylan Ribbons were also impressive for the Demons, while Steven Huxter, Jack Bampton and Brayden Fisher were the Lobethal Tigers’ best.

Uraidla Districts enjoyed a comfortable 34-point over Blackwood at home. Braedon Renshaw was their star performer with four goals in a best on ground performance. Nick Amato and Edward Allen also won plenty of the ball.

Former West Adelaide wingman Nick Homburg was best for the ‘Woods’, followed by Curt Thompson and the McCarthy boys – Liam and Jacob.

Travelling to Meadows on the weekend, the Bridgewater Callington Raiders had a huge 111 point win over the Bulldogs.

Adam Houlahan was outstanding in the Raiders’ victory, while Jackson Hooper and Craig Hall also stood up.  Among the 10 goal kickers for Bridgewater Callington, Nathan Rowlands finished with four while William Fearnhead and Bill Bryars each kicked three.

Equally one-sided was the Blood ‘n’ Tars victory over the Torrens Valley Mountain Lions at Macclesfield Oval.  Denis Iljcesen kicked eight goals in a best on ground performance while others to take the eye included Reece Jolly, Isaac Lallard, Kyle Harding and Jess McCarthy in a 134-point win – 24.16 (160) to 3.8 (26).

The Ironbank-Cherry Gardens Thunderers travelled to Eades Transport Oval in Gumeracha and defeated the Magpies by 38 points, 14.18 (102) to 10.4 (64).

Goal kickers included the well-travelled former Sturt and Willaston footballer Jeremy Johncock, kicking three goals in the win, as well as goals from Levi Grigg, and Adam Shearwood .

Another experienced Thunderer, Todd Pfeiffer, was regarded as best on ground followed by Grigg, James Cross and Joel Van Paridon

Ben McMullen was the Magpies’ best, while Ben Hanna and Brendon Moon fought hard all game.

The Birdwood Roosters travelled to Unity Roofing Oval to play Kangarilla and managed a win over the Blues by 33 points, after just nine points separated the teams at half-time.

Bradley Clark, Jed Russell, Adam Bound and Jarred Jones were outstanding for the Roosters, while Frasier Dekok contributed with three goals.

Kangarilla’s best were Trent Thorpe, Bronte Lack and Josh Albanese, along with Callum Trifonoff who scored a couple of goals.

After a 32-point win over Border Districts Tintinara at Coonalpyn Oval, the Pinnaroo Football Club is now top of the ladder – just a percentage ahead of Karoonda – after the first four weeks of Mallee footy.

The Super Roos charged out of the box and were 38 points up at the long interval before a more even second half.

Highly talented Micah Vanloon was best on ground for the victors, followed by Rory O’Driscoll and Patrick Baker. Tommy Burton helped himself to four goals in the win.

For the Crows, Scott McKenzie was best, followed by former Mail Medalist Josh Richardson who notched up four majors.

Murrayville was at home against Karoonda. After an even first half, the Bulldogsstarted to gain the ascendancy in the third quarter. They went on to win the game 14.6 (90) to the Karoonda Magpies 11.9 (75).

Brad Young was Murrayville’s best followed by goal kicking ace Jericho John who finished with a haul of eight.

Kelly Gohl, Charlie Ralli and teenager Adam George all played important role for the Dogs.

For the Magpies, who vacated top spot with this loss, Jarrad Woodward, with a bag of seven goals, was their stand-out performer, followed by another impressive teenager Shane Peach.

Peake held on against a fast-finishing Lameroo Hawks to win their home game by seven points after leading the game by 23 at half-time.

Youngster Mackenzie Pederick was the Lions’ best, followed by Luke Sparks and Sam Carter, while Jake Niven kicked for goals.

For the Roos, Billy McNeilly was their best followed by Adam Jackson who snagged four majors.

The star of round three in the Riverland Football League was Waikerie’s giant forward Daniel Nobes who recorded his second double-figure haul in consecutive weeks.

He kicked 14 goals in the Magpies’ massive 156-point win over a modest Loxton outfit.

After the first three rounds, Nobes now has a tally of 34 goals.

In the very one-sided affair, other strong performances for Waikerie came from Tristan Geehman, Jack Grieger and Tim Bevan.

Mark Thiele worked hard against the odds for the Tigers.

In contrast, the contest at Berri Oval was a thriller between the Demons and the Loxton North Panthers, with less than 10 points separating the sides at each break throughout the game.

Despite having less scoring shots, the Panthers won by the smallest of margins, 9.10 (64) to Berri 8. 15 (63).

Matt Lidgerwood kicked six of the Panthers’ nine goals, while the in-form Joel Worsfold, Matty Hampel and Josh Voigt also played big roles in the win.

Brody Thompson was the Demons best followed the distinctive hard-working on-baller Luke Teasdale and Josh Woolston.

In another low-scoring match, the Renmark Rovers had a 13-point win over Barmera-Monash at Lakeside Oval.

Tim Woolford was best, closely followed by former RSMU Hawk and Central District Bulldog Josh Vater, Lloyd Croft and former Mundulla lad Grady Obst.

For the Roos, Steve Sullivan was best, while Levi Proude and Adam Maschotta gave valiant performances.