BRIGHT escaped an embarrassing loss to Swanpool at the weekend with a spirited fight back in the final term to land its third win in as many weeks.
Trailing at every change, the Mountain Men slipped into gear to kick six last quarter goals, while keeping the Swans to just four behinds in the eight-point victory.
The visiting side were off the boil early against a vastly improved Swanpool outfit.
Five goals down at quarter time, the young Bright side clawed its way back into the match in the second stanza to trail by 15 points at the main break.
But the Swans took charge of the match in the third term and looked destined for victory against a Bright side that wasn't playing anywhere near the standard it had shown in previous weeks.
At three quarter time, first year coach Ryan Kent pleaded with his side for a more concerted effort, and the players responded.
Nick Howden put his hand up and moved to the goal square to provide some much-needed spark up forward, with the results showing immediately.
He booted three final term goals in a match winning performance, but received ample support from the midfielders, who were finally able to play the match on their terms.
Youngster Tom McDonagh gave Brad Nightingale a rest from the ruck work, and the 18 year old stood up in the final term.
Nathan Jones, who battled hard all day, pulled off an inspirational smother in the dying minutes when Swanpool looked like getting a run-on, while skipper Steve Nightingale, Kent and Ricky Clarke were vital in the impressive comeback.
The reserves and Alpine Eagles sides had far easier days on the park then their senior counterparts.
An undermanned twos outfit managed to dominate proceedings in the early game.
Travis Applegarth and Josh Grundy were potent up forward, kicking six goals each in the 138-point win, while Joel Buis, Lee Rowe, Jack Fraser and Luke Dudley were strong contributors in the side's third win of the season.
Earlier at Whorouly the Alpine Eagles were dominant against the Snow Road Saints, coming away with a 68 point win to sit comfortably at second on the ladder.
By - ALEX BAIRD.
www.nenews.com.au
TANGLED UP: Bright's Ricky Weimer wins the ball in a contest with Swanpool's Warwick Forman on Saturday.
PHOTO: Alex Baird
Last Modified on 28/05/2012 16:36