MANGOPLAH-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes issued a gentle reminder that they may be the sleeping giant of the premiership race with a 26-point win over Leeton-Whitton on Saturday.
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The Goannas overcame a slow start to end Leeton-Whitton’s short run of prized scalps, 14.7 (91) to 7.23 (65) at Leeton Showground.
A week after being the first team to down Collingullie-Glenfield Park, Leeton-Whitton started where they finished off with strong start to Saturday’s contest.
But in a sign of things to come for the day, the Crows missed some howlers in front of goal and were unable to capitalise on their advantage.
Leeton-Whitton kicked 2.9 to MCUE’s 2.1 in the opening term, and from there the Goannas clawed back.
Four goals to one put the Goannas in front at half-time, and they ran away with the game in the second half after another eight goals to four.
MCUE coach Travis Cohalan rated the win highly.
“It was our best win of the year, to be honest,” Cohalan said.
“They beat Collingullie last week at Collingullie and to go over there at that ground, where the last two years we’ve been beaten by a point or two both times, it’s a different ground and they’re a hard side to go over there and beat.
“I’m proud of the resilience the boys showed, they hung tough and got the result.”
Cohalan conceded the Crows missed some shots that they should of kicked but he believes the Goannas got on top after quarter time.
“We were under the pump at quarter time for various reasons,” he said.
“But I’m proud of the way the boys responded and although they did miss some shots I thought we controlled the majority of the next three quarters.
“That stats we kept anyway showed we were able to match in the contested footy and clearances, and then I thought our run and carry proved pivotal.”
Leeton-Whitton forward Daniel Muir was the biggest offender for inaccuracy. He tore the game apart in the opening term but was able to kick truly in front of goals.
MCUE moved Matt Collins onto Muir after quarter-time and were thrilled with the job he did.
They named Collins their best, narrowly ahead of centre-half-forward Dylan de Britt, who Cohalan described had his best game of the season ‘by far’.
Aside from Collins and de Britt, Stace Creasy, Isaac Damme, Ryan Price and Jack Carey all enjoyed good games for the Goannas.
Toby Conroy was Leeton-Whitton’s best, while the Crows were also happy with the roles performed by Isaac Houghton and Mason Dryburgh.
Houghton tagged Harry Collins, while Dryburgh rucked all day against Nathan Byrne and Andrew Dickins.
Lachie Kendall (concussion) and Neil Irwin (hamstring) both suffered injuries.
