James Murphy
A GRADE – BORDER DISTRICTS 16.11 (107) d PENOLA 6.9 (45)
A SECOND-half crash cost Penola’s A Grade footballers dearly when visiting Border Districts for Round 7 of Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara football.
The Eagles were well in the contest up until half time, leading by eight points at the first change, before Border Districts hit back with four goals to seize the lead in the second term.
Penola scored two goals in that time, but was still left with a six-point deficit at half time.
The margin was extended in the third quarter when the hosts scored another four goals to the Eagles’ one, leaving some work to do at the final break.
Unfortunately Border Districts did not back down and Penola was unable to match its finishing pace.
Another six goals came off the boots of the opposition, while the Eagles mustered just two minor scores for the term.
That left them to an eventual 62-point defeat.
Playing coach Jayden Eldridge was named best on ground, while Gus Eckerman and Beau Shinnick were also solid.
Garrett Ha and Jak Ryan were the leading scorers with two goals each, while Jacob Robbie, Bradley Bryant and Jordan Galpin also earned a mention.
Mark Quinn was the leading man for Border Districts, while Zac Richards top scored with four majors.
The competition will enter a bye this week for the long weekend, with Penola to host Keith in Round 8.
RESERVES – PENOLA 22.15 (147) d BORDER DISTRICTS 4.2 (26)
In contrast to their A Grade counterpart, the Penola Eagles’ Reserves had a big win on Saturday.
They bested Border Districts by a whopping 121 points in a strong four-quarter performance.
By the first change the Eagles had five goals on the board, to Borders’ one, before an even more impressive second term followed.
During that time Penola added another seven majors and six behinds in a term which was all one-way traffic.
The hosts did not hit the scoreboard for the term and as such the half time margin was out to 72 points.
Border Districts found two goals in the third quarter, but with the Eagles snagging four it was not enough to reel in the deficit.
A big finish from Penola had another six goals added before the final siren, with the home team left at the mercy of their rival.
Philip Lambert was best on ground for the Eagles, while Justin Mansell was second best for his seven-goal performance.
Tom Clayfield was another goal magnet with six majors, while Aden Brand had two.
Brand was also among the best players, as was Corey Brand, while Tyson Murphy and Ryan Zerk rounded out the list.
