Parrots outplay Traralgon in tough slog
LEONGATHA secured a convincing 66-point victory over Traralgon on Saturday. What promised to be a competitive clash quickly turned into a tough slog, as both teams worked hard to adapt to trying conditions. The ground was wet and slippery, and the...
LEONGATHA secured a convincing 66-point victory over Traralgon on Saturday.
What promised to be a competitive clash quickly turned into a tough slog, as both teams worked hard to adapt to trying conditions.
The ground was wet and slippery, and the rain didn’t let up for much of the second and third quarter.
Coach Trent McMicking said he was happy with the way his team held up throughout the match.
The line up included Noah Gown, back for his second game with Leongatha, and debuting Senior player Tom Hanily.
Gown has played several games in the VFL’s Sandringham side this season.
Leongatha started strong, putting five goals on the board before the quarter time siren and establishing a healthy lead it would maintain for the entirety of the game.
Slower, concise ball movements and more contested possessions propelled the Parrots forward.
The Leongatha side was also strong in the defensive end, keeping Traralgon to just two goals in the opening term.
The weather worsened going into the second quarter, causing scrappier play.
Leongatha managed to hold Traralgon back as it adjusted its game. Scoring opportunities were trickier to come by in the second quarter, but Leongatha still controlled the play.
After halftime, Leongatha regained some of its momentum, culminating in a strong final quarter.
McMicking said the team’s overall defence was great, which was what allowed it to maintain its comfortable lead over a quality opponent for the duration of the match.
Jackson Harry and Sean Westaway were the stand outs in the defence, with Aaron Heppell and Kim Drew holding strong in the midfield.
Tallin Brill gave an excellent performance up forward and was one of five goalkickers to contribute two goals to Leongatha’s overall 14 goal tally.
Leongatha will make the trip to Bairnsdale this week.
The Parrots have historically recorded solid victories against Bairnsdale.
However, they will be going into this week’s match expecting to be challenged by the much-improved side.
