GOALKICKING accuracy became a key factor as Ovens and Murray’s under-18s footy team marked a 17-point victory against Bendigo in Saturday’s inter-league match at Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo.
Although Bendigo had three more scoring shots it was O & M which capitalised the most by scoring 9.4 as the blue and gold rued a tally of 5.11.
Bendigo was first to goal when Golden Square on-baller Josh Kelly was on target.
The O and M’s first goal was slotted by Connor Boyle.
In match of 20-minute quarters, no time-on, it was O & M which skipped away in the last two minutes of the opening term.
Blake Morgan won the sprint for the ball in a wide-open 50m arc and goaled at just over 30 seconds to play.
A centre square infringement against Bendigo from the ensuing ball-up led to Riley O’Sullivan taking a great mark and kicking truly for O and M to be up 19-7 at the break.
The Jason Stevens-coached Bendigo did plenty of attacking, but missed three set-shots.
It took until the 13th minute for O and M to goal through Branden Parkin.
Although Bendigo led the inside 50s for the quarter it was O and M which won the term, 6-5.
The third quarter was a lot more free-flowing by both teams.
South Bendigo’s Logan Howell was on target to make it 25-19.
It was a quick reply by O and M by Ashton Scholz from a tight angle.
Sam Trembath slotted the first of his two goals with a 35m set-shot as O and M gained a three-goal buffer.
A Max Collins major put the visitors up 43-19 at 10 minutes to play in the quarter.
Bendigo captain Anthony Gray passed to South Bendigo team-mate Logan Howell who was freed in the contest and goaled.
Another centre break win by O and M was capped by a Trembath goal to lead 49-25 going into the final quarter.
The ability of border line-up to goal from tough angles was shown by Jayden Forge nailing a set-shot from near the boundary.
Strathfieldsaye’s Ezekiel Cousins marked in the goalsquare and kicked Bendigo’s fifth and what would be the final goal of the contest as O and M ran out 58-41 victors.
The Peter Johnston Medal for the Ovens and Murray’s best player was awarded to Callum Moffat.
A superb game by Josh Kelly earnt the Robert ‘Ninga’ O’Connell Medal as Bendigo FNL’s best.
At the after-match presentation, Bendigo coach Jason Stevens said although disappointed by the result he was incredibly proud of the team’s performance.
“This was a fantastic game of footy,” Stevens said of showcasing the emerging talent in both leagues.
“The commitment to train and play was excellent. Credit to all the players and their clubs.”
Ovens & Murray 3.1 4.1 8.1 9.4 (58)
Bendigo FNL 1.1 1.6 4.9 5.11 (41)
GOALS – Ovens & Murray: Sam Trembath 2, Owain Boyle, Max Collins, Jayden Forge, Blake Morgan, Riley O’Sullivan, Branden Parkin, Ashton Scholz. Bendigo FNL: Logan Howell 2, Ezekiel Cousins, Brayden Franken, Josh Kelly.
BEST – Ovens and Murray: Callum Moffat, Nick Morrison, Zachary Harris, Blake Morgan, Archie Jaques, Jed Marek. Bendigo FNL: Josh Kelly, Will Bartlett, Seamus Doherty, Will Elliot, Benjamin Jardine, Riley O'Donnell.
Robert O’Connell Medal: Josh Kelly.
Full Robert O'Connell Medal voting:
- Josh Kelly - 7 votes
- Seamus Doherty - 4 votes
- Will Bartlett - 3 votes
- Oliver Britt - 2 votes
- Will Elliot - 1 vote
- Lachie Magee - 1 vote
Peter Johnston Medal: Callum Moffat.
Bendigo FNL team:
Miller Armstrong, Will Bartlett, Oliver Britt, Ezekiel Cousins, Seamus Doherty, Archie Eaton, Louis Eddy, Will Elliott, Riley Evans, Brayden Franken, Oscar Giddings, Ali Gill, Xavier Grant, Anthony Gray, Logan Howell, Benjamin Jardine, Josh Kelly, Lachlan Magee, Will Mayes, Lachlan McKay, Riley O’Donnell, Archie Stevens.
Coach: Jason Stevens.
