EDENHOPE-APSLEY has survived a second-half fight back from Natimuk United to all but secure its finals spot.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Saints started the better of the two sides in a physical and contested game. The Rams, boosted by the return of their coach Sam Anson, had enough of the ball to put scoreboard pressure on the Saints in the first quarter.
However, it was the Saints, led by sharp shooting Dylan Achison, who made the most of their opportunities.
The second quarter started off evenly before the Saints piled on the pressure with quick ball movement to work themselves into a handy lead at half-time. The Rams managed just one goal in the second term and trailed 23-52 at the main break.
Saints coach Chris Oliver said after half-time Natimuk United piled on the pressure to work itself back into the contest but still trailed by 23 points going into the last quarter.
“I don’t think our effort was any less in the second half,” Oliver said.
“We just have to give Natimuk United credit for getting back into the game.”
The Rams were rewarded on the scoreboard in the final term and ensured the game went down to the wire.
The Saints ran out victors in a tight contest, winning by just nine points.
Oliver said he was really happy with the effort from his team.
“I was really happy with out effort and the first half was fantastic,” he said.
“Our first halves have been positive most of the season. We have worked on moving the ball quickly in the middle since pre-season.
“I think the last few weeks we haven’t been as clean as I would have liked but we were much better against Natimuk United.”
Achison finished with five goals for the Saints.
“He is a really good kick for goal and he was one of our better players on the day,” Oliver said.
Ruckman Justin Bromley was named best on ground for the Rams.
The Rams will now have a fight on their hands for the sixth finals position and have a tough run home.
The Saints look to almost have secured a finals spot, now six points ahead of Natimuk United.