Mixed Results Throughout North Midlands

Report By: Lois Thomas 

At Dongara, the Eagles came out hard against the Three Springs Bombers, putting three goals on the board before Three Springs answered. The combination of Paul Shearer, Robert Thompson, Bradley Ralph and Mal McKenzie controlling the ball had Three Springs battling to curtail the flow. The Bombers fought back in the second quarter playing hard football and by the major break found themselves 2-points in front. The second half of the game showed spectators why Three Springs are in the top two of the Cunninghams Premiership Ladder. Intense pressure by Haydn Bussenschutt, Bill McGree and Grant Eva, combined with a stand out performance from Nakia Taylor (6-goals) had Dongara unable to respond. Dongara may be disappointed in their loss, however after a crushing loss the week prior to Carnamah/Perenjori, should be pleased with their effort.

At the Greater Sports Oval, Morawa hosted the League Leaders Carnamah/Perenjori and very nearly caused the upset of the round! In comparison with game 2 in the first round, the young Tigers immense improvement is a credit to Coach Darren Agar. Although Carnamah/Perenjori ran out 57-point winners, the scoreboard failed to show the tackling and hard running of this very young side. This young team will gain confidence should they take notice of their improvement and may not be far off their first win of the season.

The Mingenew Bulldogs comprehensively outplayed the Coorow Latham Magpies to record a 46 -point victory at Maley Park Coorow.  With this game shifted to Coorow at late notice because of problems with the Mingenew oval surface, the Bulldogs looked at home as they won all positions on the ground.  Mingenew stalwart Murray Thomas set the scene in the first minute goaling from a very difficult angle and his team mates proceeded to control the first quarter kicking another seven before the Magpies manage late goals.  Mingenew extended the lead in the second and third quarters, Josh Starick, Rob Campbell and Luigi Moreschi controlling the midfield and Wes Swift, Troy Tapscott and Justin Bagley converting opportunity to goals.  The Magpies kicked the first goal in the second half and just when they looked to be making resurgence, poor decision making saw them kick just 1 goal and five behinds in the quarter.  Callum Scott bravely led an overwhelmed magpie defence, with Aaron Kerr, Damien Helliwell and Chris O’Callaghan gathering possessions in the midfield particularly in the second half.  Mingenew look to be a genuine finals contender with this effort, while an injury ravaged Magpies have much soul searching to do.