It had it all.
Fans of the Picola District Football Netball League were treated to a finals preview on Saturday afternoon, with Tungamah and Strathmerton going head-to-head at Tungamah’s Jubilee Oval.
The round 13 clash was a cracking game of football, with the lead chopping and changing throughout, however it was the home side that had the last laugh.
At the end of the first quarter the game was close, with Strathmerton holding a one-goal lead, before a massive second term saw it go into the rooms 22 points up.
In the third, the pendulum swung Tungamah’s way, with the home side hitting its stride and holding a one-point lead at three-quarter time.
With the result in the balance, supporters were treated to a pulsating final term in which the sides went goal for goal, before Tungamah managed to kick clear and down its fellow premiership hopeful 15.4 (94) to 12.11 (83).
Speaking post game, Tungamah coach Xavier Stevenson said it was a good victory.
“It was probably a tale of two halves, really,” Stevenson said.
“They got the jump on us a little bit and were probably first to the footy and our pressure wasn’t up to it until half-time and after that it probably swung a bit and went the other way.
“We got our hands on the footy a bit more which gave us the first option and our deep entries were a bi-product of that, so it was good.”
Stevenson said he was impressed by Nick Irvine’s game through the middle of the field, while Nick Lawless impressed up forward and Jhett Cooper kicked three goals in the last quarter.
“There were a few boys that when it was their time to go they went, so that was really pleasing,” Stevenson said.
“I think it’s just exactly what we needed, to be honest. We’ve probably come off a few games that we’ve won pretty convincingly and this is a footy game you want to play in.
“These are the games where you earn your respect and your reputation, so it was really great to get a win.”
Strathmerton co-coach Tim Looby said it was a disappointing result.
“We always want to win every game we’re in,” Looby said.
“It was good to get a look at them (the Bears). We know we’re probably going to play them again and they’ve taken it all before them so far.
“They’re a good side. We knew they’d come back and we probably just didn’t hold them enough in the third quarter and they took their opportunities in the last and that was the game.”
Looby identified the midfield as an area where the Bulldogs played well, with Tyson Sidebottom and Jake Ellery performing well, while down back Shannon Emmett put in a solid shift.
In other round 13 action, Katandra moved into third position on the ladder with a 35-point win over Jerilderie, while Waaia produced an impressive 38-point victory over Katunga.
The points were shared at Picola Recreation Reserve, with Picola United and Rennie playing out a draw, Berrigan downed Blighty in convincing fashion and Tocumwal cruised home against Mathoura.
Katamatite and the Deni Rovers had a week off.