THE match-up between the two top sides in Jeparit-Rainbow and Harrow-Balmoral always promised to be an enticing clash and the game did not disappoint.
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Jeparit-Rainbow proved victors in a hard-fought and at times fiery contest in which the Storm arguably shot to premiership favourites. The Storm came out of the blocks quickly and managed to keep the Southern Roos to just two behinds in the first term, kicking three of their own.
The Southern Roos fought back with a blistering second quarter. The side kicked eight goals to well and truly stamp themselves in the game. Playing coach Nick Pekin snapped the side’s first goal from the pocket and his players responded in a big quarter.
James Staude was unstoppable in the second term, kicking four goals. His haul started with pinpoint delivery from the Harrow-Balmoral midfield.
Jeparit-Rainbow rode out Harrow-Balmoral’s attacks and scored three goals in the second term to only trail the Southern Roos by 11 points going into the half-time break. A five goal to one third term in favour of the Storm turned the game again, as Jeparit-Rainbow showed their strength around the ground.
Led by Ash Clugston, who kicked five for the game, Adam Schulz at full back and a host of other experienced players, Jeparit-Rainbow fought to get the game back on its level.
Harrow-Balmoral’s chances of a come from behind win in the last term were quickly dashed as Rory O’Halloran, Ash Clugston and Daniel Batson kicked straight for the Storm.
A consolation goal for Harrow-Balmoral and Staude’s fifth finished off the game as Jeparit-Rainbow earned a season-defining win – 14.9 (93) to 10.7 (67).
Storm coach Tim Inkster said coming into the contest he was nervous of the in-form Southern Roos.
“The guys were really keen coming into the game – I was a bit more hesitant than the players,” he said.
“Our captain Tyler Edelsten was fantastic during the week talking up our chances and getting the boys positive. Full credit to him and his leadership was great.
“On your home ground you want a fast start, so for us to keep them scoreless helped. Our back line was outstanding all day and Adam Schulz was up for the challenge against Staude.”
Inkster said the rest of the league would be trying to chase his side down and that the next month was vital for the Storm.
“I don’t think too far ahead until we have played everyone,” he said. “We still have to play sides like Kalkee, Natimuk United and the Swifts. Everyone will want to have a crack at us and after those games we will reassess.”
Pekin said despite the loss he was still positive about where his side is at.
“We knew they would start well and it hurt us because we then had to chase them for a lot of the day,” he said. “We have so many positives and we are disappointed but we know we can improve a lot and get better. If there was ever a good loss this one was probably it.”
Pekin said it was great to have Staude up forward but wanted to see more from the rest of his side.
“Staude played a good game and kicked five of our 10 goals and put up a good fight back there,” he said. “The delivery to him was good in the second term but at the end of the day we can’t be too predictable.”