It may not have been perfect, but there was a lot to like about Tungamah’s rollicking 121-point win over Mathoura in the Picola District Football League on Saturday.
Bears co-coach Sean Johns conceded his side was slow out of the blocks, but remedied the lacklustre opening term to blow the Timbercutters away for a 25.16 (166) to 6.9 (45) result.
“We were slow out of the gates; Mathoura brought some good pressure, but we probably didn’t respect our opponent as much as we should have early on,” he said.
“We were inaccurate in the first quarter, but we regrouped and addressed that and our second quarter effort was much better and the game was out of their way at half-time.
“It was a good three-quarter effort, but we still want a good four-quarter effort from the boys to really showcase our full potential.”
Mathoura matched Tungamah’s intensity in the opening 20 minutes, kicking 2.4 to trail the Bears by just seven points.
But the Timbercutters could not hang on.
The quarter-time address from Johns and co saw the Bears come out a different beast in the second term, kicking 10.5 to storm out to an unassailable lead.
Lockdown rebounds became a focus and that led to more scoreboard pressure, with six goals coming in each of Tungamah’s final two quarters to stamp out any doubt.
Johns noted with a throng of senior players absent for the round four contest, the Bears’ young brigade – which included seven-goal superstar Tom Lidgerwood – excelled.
“It’s good to be able to play these young kids and know you can rely on them when they do step up,” he said.
“Tom Lidgerwood came up from the twos and he’s worked his way into the squad with some good preseason games and cemented his spot, now he’s reaping his reward.”
Waaia was similarly ruthless in victory, beating Picola United 20.14 (134) to 5.5 (35) to maintain its perfect record.
Dylan Moncur earned best afield honours with his bag of seven, while United’s Cody Haub kicked three.
Katamatite was able to break away from Berrigan’s early pressure as a five-goal second quarter helped the Tigers on to a 12.12 (84) to 7.9 (51) triumph.
Katandra was unable to match Katunga as the Swans ran out 44-point winners, 12.14 (86) to 6.6 (42).
Lastly, Deni Rovers stood tall to down a winless Blighty 20.17 (137) to 4.2 (26).