Great Flinders Football kicked off last Saturday for season 2023 with United Yeelanna starting their premiership defence with a commanding win against Eyre United, Ramblers youngsters were impressive in a close hard fought victory against Elliston Districts, and Tumby Bay had a convincing win over a depleted Cougars outfit at home.
Elliston Districts vs Ramblers @ Elliston
Elliston Districts hosted Ramblers to open their season and the game didn’t disappoint the
spectators witnessing a dour struggle throughout the day in an even contest. The Rooster opened strongly through goals from Hutchinson and Williams as the game developed in to a scrambly affair due to the strong pressure from both sides. The second quarter was much of the same as Tom and Charlie Gibson created some headaches for the Ramblers defence, but Claughton, Franklin and Haarsma were starting to have some influence on the contest to help their side to 2 important 2nd quarter goals to see them trailing by 9 points at the main break but still well in the contest.
Players were greeted to increasing winds and rain to open the second half as Ramblers continued to apply strong pressure causing many turnovers. Veteran George Pedler broke free to kick an important goal for his side, but this was matched by an excellent goal to Luke Hutchinson and followed up by another from Riley Carter to give the home side a handy 21 point lead at 2 quarter time. When Guy Hutchinson kicked the opener in the last the game looked all but over, but Ramblers had other ideas as Langley and Haarsma kicked back to back goals to bring them back in to the contest. Ethan Langley stood tall to kick another but it was James Richardson who clinched the game for Ramblers with his second goal for the term giving Ramblers an impressive come from behind 5 point win.
Will Haarsma was outstanding all day in a best on ground performance, Langley,
Claughton and Franklin all important and Dobbins made an impressive debut for the Magpies. For the home side, none were better than ruckman Rhys Kelsh, Carter and Williams had influence and Rosalia and Van Doorn both had moments.
United Yeelanna vs Eyre United @ Karkoo
United Yeelanna gave the competition a gentle reminder of their dominance with a polished display in tough conditions to run out 179 points against Eyre United. The writing was on the wall early as the Eagles dominated the centre clearances and Matt Crettenden looked sharp early as he booted 3 first quarter goals. The second quarter proved much of the same as Symonds and Maxfield dominated across the ground, Conlan was in complete control in the ruck and their defence was impassable restricting Eyre United to just 3 points for the half.
Eyre United were able to increase their pressure early in the third with Jonah Fatchen impressive, Max Baldiserra playing his heart out and youngster Will Turner having some good moments. They were able to restrict the Eagles to 5 goals for the quarter, but it was still mostly one way traffic by the home side. The last quarter was a clinic for the Eagles fan as they watched their side completely dominate the game to pile on 13 goals for the quarter – given the conditions it was a clinical display of class footy from the Eagles. The Saints managed to kick their first goal through Cruz Mullan, but the class of United Yeelanna was on show for all to see as the ran riot in the final 30 minutes against a hapless Eyre United side who could not do anything to stop the momentum.
Matt Crettenden was outstanding up forward booting 13 goals, his brother Plugga chiming in with a lazy 5 and Beau Sampson, Will Symonds, Stephen Crettenden, Ben Carr and Maxfield were all outstanding. The Saints were best served by Max Baldiserra, Tom and Luke Forrest and youngsters Turner, Fatchen and Stratford battled hard against the odds.
Tumby Bay vs Cummins Kapinnie @ Tumby Bay
In the final game Tumby Bay proved too strong for Cougars at home running out comfortable 68 point winners against a young opponent. The first quarter was an even affair and scores were level at quarter time with both sides kicking 1.2 for the quarter. The home side slowly started to take control in the second as Whitelaw and new recruit McLeod found plenty of the ball and Hartwig and Foster gave them some presence up forward to take a 19 point lead in to the long break. The second half belonged to the Blues as they kicked 8 goals to one in the second half and had control of the contest to tun out comfortable winners. Their defence was excellent led by Joe Walker, the McDonald twins were excellent all game and McLeod, Whitelaw and Foster with 5 goals played important roles. For Cougars, Reuben Hill was their best player, Green battled hard as always and young players Turnbull, Mahoney and Puckridge battled manfully against a more experienced side.
Cougars will look forward to getting back some key players in coming weeks to give their younger players some much needed experience as the season progresses.
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