After coming off a strong performance the week before against Greta, Goorambat was confident of putting in another top showing against North Wangaratta.
In muddy conditions, both sides competed strongly, but it was North Wang which finished over the top of Goorambat by 44 points.
Goorambat started off well with the first goal of the match to Mark Beavis.
Things were looking good for The Bats early as they led the way with inside fifties, although they were unable to capitalise as North Wang’s defence held strong.
Sam Gall was out of the blocks early and his running game was on song as he competed strongly around the midfield, while Jesse and Joel Whinray were busy on the ball getting in and under in a day that suited their contested style of play.
Tom Marriott’s recent move into the ruck again proved valuable as he followed up on last weeks form, providing some excellent grunt work around the midfield with strong tackling, bumping and throwing out plenty of ‘don’t argues’.
Going into the third quarter Goorambat trailed by 18 points with the game firmly in the balance, but it was the home team who kicked away to stretch their lead by the final term.
Tom Skilbeck stood up at centre half-back continuing his good form taking plenty of contested marks and running the ball out from defence.
Seventeen-year-old fullback Jeremy Sloan convincingly beat his opponent and finished off the season in fantastic form.
The youngster has been a real find for the club.
Clint Nolan and Danny Hooper were solid in a defence that has not conceded more than 100 points in the last three matches.
Captain Travers Nolan, who spent time both in defence and on the ball was prolific all day and won possessions at will with his courageous style of play and ability to run hard until the final siren, while vice captain Ben Reaburn took it upon himself to play a slightly more defensive role on the wing and was good with his ability to use his speed and dispose of the footy with precision.
North Wangaratta’s ability to capitalise on their forward entries was the difference in what was an entertaining contest of attacking football.
Coach Terry Greaves has stood down from the senior coaching role for next year, but said “next year we should play finals”.
“Our improvement from last season and the way we have finished this year with such a young team has been outstanding,” Greaves said after the match in his final address to his players.
“I think we need a playing coach, a strong centreman and a good centre halfforward,” an optimistic Greaves said.
Greaves has coached Goorambat since their induction into the Ovens and King League and has done an excellent job educating the players on how to play modern football.
He has stated he will be around the next year, but living in Tarrawingee makes it a big commitment to travel to Goorambat regularly.
While the on-field future of the club looks bright, the challenge in the coming months will be off the field as this season will see the departure of a number of important committee people.
Any one interested in joining the club on or off the field can Jack on 0429 641 336.
Reserves
Goorambat travelled to North Wangaratta with excellent numbers, agreeing with the opposition to play 23 players (from the usual 21), in what is a sign of the growing strength within the club.
While the game was an excellent display of contested football, it was North Wang who came out on top by just one goal.
Goorambat got off to a flying start kicking the first four goals and gaining an 18-point lead by quarter-time. Midfielders James Gall, Chris Button and Luke Buckle were running riot, while Paddy Hair was also gathering possessions at will at centre halfforward.
North Wang made their come back in the second quarter and gained a seven-point lead by half-time.
James Burgan began to have an impact on the game with his pace and skill rotating between the forward flank and on the ball.
Forwards Scott Armstrong, Greg Vallender and Sean McDonald were also starting to cause problems in the air for the North Wang defence.
New Zealander Anthony Mitchell in his first season of Aussie rules also bagged two crucial goals.
Goorambat turned it on in the third quarter by kicking four goals to two to gain a five point lead by three quarter time. Luke Hernan at fullback was having yet another day out by reading the play and getting heaps of the ball which he was disposing of with poise and precision.
Seventeen-year-old Luke Marriott who also played seniors, was in control at center half-back.
The final quarter was set up for a thrilling finale with both sides hungry for a win.
North Wangaratta leapt away for a solid lead midway through the final term, but with just four minutes to go it was Goorambat who got themselves back into the game with two consecutive goals to bring them within six points.
While the game was there for the taking for both sides with a minute to go, neither side could hit the scoreboard to change the margin.
Coach Clem Briggs was pleased with the improvement shown of his team, which just missed out on finals this season finishing ninth.
“I’m confident we will play finals next year,’’ he said.
“We’ve improved so much this season alone.
“Last time we played North Wang we lost by 49 points and this time we really could have won it,” Briggs said.
In other news, Goorambat’s presentation night will be held at the Goorambat Town hall on September 24, and will include a bar and dinner.
Benalla Ensign Newspaper.
August 24th, 2011.
http://ensign.benalla.net.au/story.asp?TakeNo=201108244338358
Attacking: Luke Marriott and Dallas Spencer hunt the footy in their reserves clash with North Wangaratta.