WGFNL outfit impresses in Under 16 win over EDFNL

Article by Ellinbank & District Football Netball League

WEST Gippsland Football Netball Competition (WGFNC) preserved its unbeaten record against the Ellinbank & District Football Netball League (EDFNL) at Under 16 level, winning by 46 points at the Lang Lang reserve in Caldermeade on Wednesday night.
With persistent rain falling throughout the day and intermittent drizzle and gusty wind during the match, it was difficult for the sides to string together skilful passages of play, but the WGFNC adapted better to the challenging conditions.
While the eventual winner had the game well in control by the long break, the EDFNL fought out the remainder of the match in a competitive second half.
The WGFNC had earlier set up a 25-point quarter-time lead, with the aid of the strong breeze.
While Longwarry’s Ryder Comben was excelling in the ruck for the EDFNL, giving it the better of the centre clearances, the WGFNC did an impressive job intercepting the Sherrin and thwarting opposition attacks.
Impressively, the WGFNC built on its lead in the second quarter, holding a seven-goal advantage at the halfway point, having held the EDFNL to just a couple of points by that stage.
The EDFNL was unfortunate that the wind behind it dropped significantly during the second term, just prior to a rain shower, and the Gippsland outfit’s defence stifled scoring opportunities, despite the efforts of EDFNL midfielders Wes Scott and Corey Smith to lift their team.
WGFNC’s lead was trimmed to 39 points at the last change before it powered home with two goals to one in the final stanza.
Phillip Island forward Sam O’Garey was awarded the medal as the winner’s best, while Comben claimed that honour for the beaten team.
The WGFNC’s ruck duo of Jack Morgan (Warragul Industrials) and Aidy Patterson (Nar Nar Goon) were prominent, while the winner’s backline, led by Tooradin’s Kane Angleton stood up well.