It was flying colours for Wallan footballers at Lancefield’s stomping ground in round eight of the Riddell District Football Netball League (RDFNL).
Returning from a bye, Wallan played to its consistent game plan once again.
While the Tigers have not had the best start to the season, the side did not throw the flag up just yet, bagging two goals and two behinds in the second quarter.
However, their efforts were not followed through, and the Tigers faced a scoreless third quarter, giving the Magpies the opportunity to stretch their lead even further for the fourth quarter.
Almost hitting triple digits, Wallan concluded the game with a 92-33 victory.
Despite the loss, Lancefield Seniors Coach Tim Bannan said the side played a good game of footy.
“We always seem to start slow in the third quarter, [Wallan] they got a jump on us and sort of put score out of our reach, but I think we’ve played some really good footy. We’ve got ten out of the senior squad at the moment, we’re not making that an excuse,” he said.
“We need to put some scoreboard pressure on and take the opportunity when we go inside 50 rather than not score. It’s disappointing that we haven’t won a game yet, but I think we will be a lot stronger the second half of the season.”
Bannan said Lancefield needed to find consistency in performing four quarter games.
“If we can play quarters well, there’s an opportunity for us to win games. We’ve been in games against the top sides, and then just fallen away,” he said.
“It’s getting that continuity and being consistent and having that right mindset and concentration for four quarters rather than just two and a half and three.”
Elsewhere, Romsey continued its winning ways against Macedon at the weekend.
The side was all over the footy in the first quarter, securing the dominating position with a 15-point lead, but Macedon managed to crawl its way back in, producing two goals at the start of the second quarter.
The Redbacks held its ground for the next three quarters, taking a 73-53 win.
Netball
Wallan A grade netballers are currently on top of the ladder, adding another win with the match against Lancefield at the weekend.
Wallan hit the 50 mark on the scoreboard once again, with Lancefield not too far off as the final result came to 39-54.
Wallan coach Lucas Bennett-Hullin said the first quarter was a ‘tight tussle’ with both teams going goal for goal.
“We managed to get a little bit more breathing room by half time, the second half saw Wallan take a little bit more control across the court,” he said.
“It probably wasn’t our best game of the season, but sometimes you have matches that turn into a bit of a scrap and I’m proud of how the team continued to work throughout our systems and game plan to achieve the win.
“A lot of respect for Lancefield who had a few outs with injury but definitely came to play.”
Romsey were almost on the winning side until the third quarter let the side down, giving Macedon a three-point win.
Romsey coach Lena Way said the side just missed out on the win.
“Again, we were without key players … and I think once we are at full strength, we will be competitive against Macedon,” she said.
“The girls are just looking forward to starting with a fresh outlook for the second half of the season after so much disruption in the first half.”
The final score came to 56-59.
RDFNL will take a break this weekend but will return the following weekend with Wallan hosting Kyneton, Romsey head-to-head with Diggers Rest, and Lancefield travelling to Riddell.
