Gunnedah and District AFC women’s Poochettes locked away the minor premiership of the North West AFL women’s competition, grinding out a high scoring 53-47 victory over the Inverell Saints in Inverell at the weekend.
Meanwhile, the Saints men all but locked away the men’s minor premiership, accounting for the Bulldogs men 157-19.
A tense match ensued for the Poochettes, who were down at the first change 14-7, but clawed their way back into the contest to hit the front by half time at 26-20.
Majors were traded during the third term but the Saints resurrected momentum during the quarter, booting an extra major to kick three for the quarter to the Poochettes two in a match that had multiple lead changes throughout.
With either side unable to be separated at 40-all heading into the last change at three quarter time, it was ill discipline from the Saints that helped the Poochettes gain the ascendancy in the last quarter.
On top of this, last quarters have been a strong suit of the Poochettes this season, and combined with the Saints ill discipline, it evidently proved the difference on the scoreboard between the sides.
The Poochettes provided a powerful last term, boot two to their oppositions solitary major, in the process grinding out their narrow six point victory at 53-47.
Coach John Woolaston was ecstatic for his side, particularly the fact they made the trip to the daunting Inverell home base with the bare 18 players on the day, but also that they kept their structure and discipline in check at a crucial part of the match.
“They (Saints) had the ascendency early, it was good our girls kept their cool whilst they seemed to be frustrated that we were keeping pace with them,” Woolaston said.
“Our structure stood up, it was a tough match but our discipline got us over the line in the end.”
He also made special mention of best on ground for the Poochettes, Casey O’Connell, as the key driver for his side’s victory,” he said.
“Casey stood up as a leader, really got the girls going with her voice around the ground and making sure everyone kept their structure.
“She (O’Connell) made sure we kept our heads in that last quarter when the game was in the balance”
Woolaston also made special mention of run with tagger Beccy Wilson, and utility Leah Schofield, but in particular Wilson who tagged Saints danger woman Gabby Mooney.
“Beccy had an important run with role on Gab (Mooney) and was diligent,” he said.
“Rewarded herself with a penalty that gave her a shot on goal which she put away and thoroughly deserved.
“Leah probably played her best game for us, kept her width in attack and popped up to kick a crucial goal in the last quarter too.”
Majors on the day were booted by Annie Elphick with three and Georgia Tibbs with two as the multiple goal scorers, while Myah Gibson, Wilson and Schofield also hit the scoreboard with solitary majors for the Poochettes.
In the men’s fixture, the Bulldogs were blown off the park by competition leaders and premiership favourites, the Inverell Saints men.
Down 31-0 by quarter time, that progressed to 77-6 by half time, unfortunately solidifying the result beyond doubt in the second half.
However, the Bulldogs stuck to task, booting two majors in the second half, both of which were kicked by teenager and rising star Mason Louis.
He was the only multiple goal kicker with his brace of goals, while fellow teenager and up and coming forward, Liam Naismith, booted the Bulldogs other major from full forward.
Despite the loss, coach Jakob Vearing remained positive, particularly the fact his side made the trip with a full contingent of players, and is realistic in the fact that the Saints are a different proposition in contrast to his side’s continual development of growth as a side through their youth.
“Was a hard day, the Saints played smart football that was hard to defend, and we were outmatched in most areas,” Vearing said.
“Credit to the boys they didn’t give up and put effort in for the full four quarters.
“Our young guys in Mason Louis, Tommy Carlyon, Callan Gibson and Liam Naismith continue to be part of our best performers week in week out.”
He was particularly glowing of Louis, who has jumped out of the box as a star of the future as the Bulldogs season has unfolded.
“Mason played his best game all year,” Vearing said.
“Has explosive pace and doesn’t give up on the contest through consecutive efforts.
“On the weekend, he managed to break through their defensive lines on numerous occasions and was part of all of our scoring involvements.”
Both competitions head into the final three weeks, where preparation will start to ramp up for both squads as they head towards the finals series of their respective competitions.
Mason Louis was solid for the Gunnedah AFC Bulldogs against Inverell at the weekend, playing his best game of the season.
