The Calder Cannons fought hard to eventually overrun the Bendigo Pioneers, as they notched a 42 point win in tough conditions at Craigieburn on Saturday as Ben Guthrie reports.
The howling gale wreaked havoc with the disposal efficiency of both teams, and scoring was difficult for most of the day.
Both clubs were forced to alter their game plans, depending on the end to which they were kicking, but it was the Cannons who scored when it mattered most to run away 13.14 (92) to 7.8 (50) winners.
It was a scrappy opening as both teams attempted to adapt to the wind, and Bendigo jumped out to an early ten point lead with the aid of the breeze.
Two long goals from outside 50 from the Pioneers’ Ben McPhee epitomised how direct Bendigo were prepared to be.
The Cannons, however, were content to move the ball down the wing and rarely used the corridor when kicking against the wind.
Calder coach Martin Allison urged his charges to play a more attacking style of footy in the second quarter, after what he thought was an indifferent start.
“We made a conscious effort to play the game through the corridor,” Allison said.
“We just agreed that if we made mistakes in the middle of the corridor we would just wear it.”
This mindset kick started a rush of goals, including three in a row to Josh Burgess who finished with five on the day.
Brandyn Grenfell was easily the best man on the ground, playing in the ruck and up forward.
He grasped eight marks, had eight hitouts and gathered 23 possessions, along with two majors.
Not only were Calder able to hit the scoreboard comfortably as they jumped out to a 22 point lead at half time, but they forced the Pioneers into numerous skill errors.
After the main break, Bendigo lifted their work rate and hauled themselves back into the match with consecutive goals from Oscar Wines and Braeden Knox.
They closed down Calder’s time and space and forced them to kick to contests.
Ethan Foreman stationed himself on the wing and mopped up errant kicks going forward, while Sam Kerridge toiled hard for his side.
Despite all their hard work, Calder managed to contain the Pioneers scoring and drew level on three quarter time after Jack Sheahan calmly slotted through his first goal.
Bendigo coach Mark Ellis was happy with how his team were able to stick with Calder, a side he regards highly.
“The pleasing thing from our point of view was that we maintained a certain amount of (defensive) pressure,” Ellis said.
“It was disappointing to get beaten, but to be level at three quarter time was pleasing for sure.”
In the final term, Calder slammed on six unanswered goals to put the result beyond doubt as they made the most of their opportunities when kicking with the wind.
Calder Cannons
Goal Kickers: J. Burgess 5, B. Grenfell 2, D. Markworth , J. Sheahan , L. McBean , A. Gallucci , S. Hetherington , B. Cronin
Best Players: B. Grenfell, B. Ellis, J. Burgess, O. Uysal, D. Bailey, T. Sheridan
Bendigo Pioneers
Goal Kickers: B. McPhee 2, L. Gilbert , S. Heavyside , O. Wines , B. Knox , V. Flood
Best Players: S. Kerridge, K. Ngawati, S. Heavyside, B. McPhee, T. Stevens, V. Flood
Last Modified on 11/04/2011 13:12