A Grade

LOCK v UNITED YEELANNA… United Yeelanna Eagles prevailed by 11 points over Lock Roos in a low scoring affair at the Lock oval. In a scrambly and uninspiring match, both coaches would have been disappointed with the standard of the game, since both are capable of much better football.

The win advantage proved to be key to each quarter’s success.

Winning the toss and taking advantage of the wind the Eagles were on the scoreboard in the first minute through Jolly after an excellent pass from Skinner. For the next 10 minutes all the play was in a very congested Lock forward line, but they were only able to manage a point.

Their halfback line continually rebounded led by the irrepressible Halman, but short and inaccurate disposal was their undoing every time.

Finally breaking through at the 10 minute mark for the first time Yeelanna made no mistake and five minutes later repeated the feat through a captain’s goal from Simpson.

Yeelanna appeared to be running when given the opportunity, but with Kelly cutting Hancock out of the game and Glover, Cummins and Mellor holding tight they were prevented from using the wind to it’s utmost. Yeelanna 3-1, Lock 0-2.

The Roos made use of the wind during the second quarter whilst holding the Eagles scoreless despite Eagles being first into attack, the Mellor, Halman and Morton defence stood firm.

Kelly had his second opponent for the day and the Pearce duo were working well. A Zac Tiller pass to Glover, now playing forward brought up Lock’s first goal for the match and second one followed a few minutes later. R. Skinner, B. Skinner and Jolly were trying their best at stoppages supported by Matt Crettenden, but couldn’t break through to make a mark on the scoreboard.

The only rain for the match fell at this stage, making conditions heavy in addition to the howling wind. Northcott made his mark for the Roos in this quarter with two goals and Wake was taken from the ground with injury and played no further part in the game. At the long break Lock led 5-5 to Yeelanna 3-1. In a near reversal of form Yeelanna used the wind well, though inaccurately whilst Lock could manage only one solitary goal. B. Skinner, McLachaln and Michael Crettenden were working hard for clearances and three points (two from set shots) resulted before the big sticks were found. Matt Crettenden continued the trend with two goals for the quarter, being ably fed by T. Boehm, Skinner, S. Glover and brother Michael.