Kapunda kept its finals’ aspirations alive with a spirited 29-point win over Willaston at Dutton Park last Saturday.

The Bombers kicked the first two goals of the game, but their next came during the third term, while the Donnybrooks slotted through five unanswered majors in the second quarter to have a handy lead at the main break.

“It was an extremely important win,” said Kapunda coach Damien Prouse.

“I asked for a big last quarter and the boys rose to the occasion.

“A lot of easy shots on goal were missed by both teams and this is an area we have to address.

“One of the big areas of concern as we move forward is that we seem to go to sleep at times through games – consistency needs to be found.”

Expected to be one of the big improvers in the second half of the season, the Bombers are now locked in a struggle for the final position in the top four, competing against Willaston and South Gawler for major round participation.

Brad Valentine was moved to full forward kicking four of Kapunda’s seven last quarter goals and was pivotal in the victory.

Ruckman Adam Turrell produced a best-on-ground performance, both with his tap work and efforts around the ground.

Michael Kerr, used at centre half back on Willaston star Lee Coghill until coach Darrin Wilson moved the latter into ruck, played his best game for the Bombers this year.

Brodie Cox matched up on Les Baker, continuing his fine form since returning from Eudunda, while Sam Ryan and young talent Mick Mickan both put in excellent contributions.

Brad Taylor kicked three goals, while former captain Sam Ryan also kicked two.

Former Sturt league footballer Shaun Childs, now with Willaston, and Kapunda captain Nathan Brady had a good contest in their respective key position roles.

In his second game in the Donnybrooks jumper this year Chad Norsworthy was a high possession winner, while Chris McLean continued his fine season with a three goal haul. Aaron Parslow also deserves a mention.

Shaun Baker exerted an influence on the game, but stormed straight off the ground straight after the contest.

Kapunda has a tough challenge this week, taking on ladder leaders Tanunda.

Willaston has the bye before becoming Tanunda’s next opponent and could find itself even further down the ladder.

Barossa’s revenge

Dual defending premier the Barossa District Bulldogs had revenge on their mind when Angaston paid them a visit at Williamstown on Saturday.

And they succeeded with a 57-point victory over the Panthers.

In the corresponding game in round one the Panthers held the premiers to a lucky draw.

However considering Angaston’s depleted list, the talent and experience differential and the wasted opportunities the result could have, in fact should have, been a much greater amount.

This is not to suggest the Bulldog’s run is over as this team still has great potential and are yet to exercise it.

The Barossa players’ ability to pull down contested overhead marks was a significant difference between the two teams. At ground level the Panthers were much more competitive and had a reasonable share of the clearances, however a commanding Bulldog defence broke down much of their forward play and took full toll of their handling errors.

Barossa were wasteful in front of goal in the first quarter and like the Panthers could only manage one major, but unlike the visitors they also skewed seven points and several complete misses.

Angaston actually hit the front in the second quarter but it was only a matter of time before the Bulldogs straightened up their ‘yips’ and took control of the game on the scoreboard.

Their 8-7 for the second quarter, 15 scoring shots, was a clear indicator of their superiority at three times the Angaston total.

The heat was out of the game in the last half.

Different methods were displayed by the coaches at the last break with Rian Nelson taking his charges over to the boundary near the famous ‘Bay 13’ mob and asking for charges to repay their support with a last quarter blitz.

Angaston coach Simon Johnson rallied his troops by asking them to wipe the smile of the ‘goon squad’ Neither coach probably got the full result they would have liked.

Glen Chamberlain was best of the Barossa big men with some great marks and good use of his body. However in the marking department Heath Commane, Ross Christie and Aaron Spicer were not far behind. Commane was the best of that trio and his four goal second quarter broke the game open for Barossa.

The Stelzer twins, Matt and Paul were noticeable with plenty of ball and at this stage are carrying the Barossa midfield.

Defender Brad Hughes was Angaston’s best holding the dangerous Dan Thomas to three goals.

Stewart White is normally a defender, but playing up forward his great sense of anticipation when marking caused the Bulldog defence some headaches and caused a positional change.

Midfielder Daniel Rathjen became a defender in the second half and restricted Commane’s effort.

Midfielders Greg Bain and Craig Harvey matched their Barossa opponents, and Andrew Small made the opposing ruckmen earn their keep.

Ruckman inspires Nuriootpa

An inspired effort by ruckman Matthew Cragg-Sapsford saw Nuriootpa record a four-goal home ground win over a forlorn Freeling.

With Cragg-Sapsford on fire, the Tigers built on their nine-point three-quarter time lead for a strong win.

The competition’s best tap ruckman dominated at all the stoppages and continued to feed the likes of captain Shawn Gibson, veteran Chris Gerhardy, Billy Nicholls and Jason Rodda brilliantly all game.

The clearance stats in the middle, 24 to seven, show why Nuriootpa won.

Ryan Foulis also continued his good form for the Tigers.

“At times we got three or four goals up, but then we let them back into the game,” winning coach Scott Lee said.

“We started well and led the contest for most of day, but lost intensity at times.

“Our dominance in the middle and the young defence who are working well together were pleasing aspects of the game.

“Teenager Arlon Hall shut Scott Leal out of the game and the other defenders worked well together. ”

Nicholls, Justin Trewren, who has a focal point in attack and club stalwart Adam Fiegert kicked three goals each for the victors while Rodda helped out with a couple.

Nippy forward Daniel Romeo played his first A grade game, showing good signs and kicking a goal.

Freeling now look like they will collect their third wooden spoon since 2000, and that comes on top of grand final experiences for the past three years.

Better players for the Redlegs included Travis Muster, captain Darren Leske and Russell Clark.

Experienced SANFL footballers like Josh Newberry and five-goal forward Paris Fowden worked hard to ensure the Redlegs youthful group were competitive, but fought a losing battle.

Britt Grocke and Kris Barry were also conspicuous.

The Tigers travel up the road to the Angas Recreational Park to take on the Panthers in what is expected to be a close contest.

Freeling, whose only win was in the season-opener in mid-April, host an in-form Gawler Central.

Scoreboard

Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association

Played June 28.

A Grade

Barossa 1.7 9.14 14.16 17.20(122)

Angaston 1.2 4.3 7.7 10.10(70)

Best: Bar - G Chamberlain, M Stelzer, H Commane, P Stelzer, A Spicer, R Christie; Ang - B Hughes, G Bain, D Rathjen, C Harvey, B Bascombe, A Small.

Goals: Bar - H Commane 5, D Thomas 3, D Lister 3, B James 2, J Amber, M Stelzer, A Spicer, D Sharp 1 ea; Ang - B Bascombe 5, S White 2, A Pech 2, T Read 1.

Nuriootpa 3.5 6.7 11.11 15.16(106)

Freeling 1.2 5.2 11.3 13.4(82)

Best: Nuri - M Cragg-Sapsford, S Gibson, C Gerhardy, R Foulis, B Nicholls, J Rodda; Free - T Muster, J Newberry, R Clark, D Leske, K Barry, B Grocke.

Goals: Nuri - J Trewren 3, A Fiegert 3, B Nicholls 3, J Rodda 2, A Kaesler, R Foulis, D Romeo, D Vickery 1 ea; Free - P Fowden 5, R Clark 2, D Leske 2, D Thatcher, T Barnes, J Lienert, K Barry 1 ea.

Tanunda 6.1 11.4 15.9 17.13(115)

Gawler Central 2.7 7.3 9.6 12.8(80)

Best: Tan - J Neindorf, B Newberry, C Underwood, M Elson, M Underwood, M Greenwood, R Bignell; Cent - J Asher, A Frackowski, K Heberle, B Niklaus, G Cooke, R Clasohm.

Goals: Tan - A Kennedy 6, B Wall 3, M Greenwood 3, B Kaesler 2, B Britton 2, J Kieboom 1; Cent - B Niklaus 4, S Hahn 2, R Clasohm, A Frackowski, K Heberle, D Hillebrand, J Scott, B Taylor 1 ea.

Kapunda 2.6 2.9 4.15 11.19(85)

Willaston 0.2 5.5 6.6 8.8(56)

Best: Kap - Adam Turrell, B Valentine, B Cox, S Ryan, Andrew Turrell, M Mickan; Will - A Parsloe, C McLean, S Childs, C Norsworthy.

Goals: Kap - B Valentine 4, B Taylor 3, S Ryan 2, C Prior 1, M Cussadia 1; Will - C McLean 3, L Baker, S Baker, D Hennaman, S Childs, L Coghill 1 ea.

Reserves

Barossa 4.6 6.7 11.8 15.12(102)

Angaston 0.3 1.6 3.7 3.8(26)

Best: Bar - D Goodfellow, S Harris, J Owen, B Merrett, R Hales, M Grgrovic; Ang - E Hadden, A Murphy, J Schultz, B Swan, B Brook, S Fiest.

Goals: Bar - L Blucher 4, D Emes 3, J Norris, D Handke, A Alison, D Thompson, R Hales, D Wilson, J Owen, D Goodfellow 1 ea; Ang - A Murphy, J Plush, E Hadden 1 ea.

Nuriootpa 3.5 7.11 11.13 17.14(116)

Freeling 3.2 3.5 7.7 9.9(63)

Best: Nuri - B Lydeamore, B Carter, L Sich, N Koch, B Rohrlach, J Koch; Free - T Clancy, A Graham, P Leske, R Hayman, A Warnest, S Schuster, G Shaw.

Goals: Nuri - B Rohrlach 3, R Newcombe 3, B Lydeamore 3, A Kurtz 2, B Carter, T Jungfer, C Ware, N Koch, C Rochau, K Feltus 1 ea; Free - A Strauchan 3, A Graham 3, T Carmichael, B Stibbs, T Clancy 1 ea.

Tanunda 2.2 5.4 7.8 9.10(64)

Gawler Central 2.0 3.2 4.2 6.4(40)

Best: Tan - C Samain, S Schwarz, A Schmidt, L Skeer, T Stewart, T Oliver; Cent - P Davis, C Elson, M Aggar, J Chester, S Dawe, T Foreman.

Goals: Tan - S Liersch, S Schwarz, K Falkenberg, T Stewart, A Quinn, A Ey, L Skeer, L Underwood, J Ward 1 ea; Cent - C Elson 3, T Foreman 2, J Latimer 1.

Willaston 1.2 9.8 10.11 15.17(107)

Kapunda 3.3 3.3 4.6 5.6(36)

Best: Will - J Farrow, C Rosewall, L Bennie, A Barclay, R Whiston; Kap - K Ryan, K Pfitzner, D White, M Koenig, R Zivic, T Pfitzner.

Goals: Will - J Farrow 6, B Silvy 3, M Cotton 3, J Oldfield 2, S Schugman 1; Kap - L Bagshaw 2, B McWaters, AJ Hampel, R Creber 1 ea.

Senior Colts

Angaston 3.6 8.8 11.12 12.15(87)

Barossa 2.0 4.1 6.2 9.5(59)

Best: Ang - N Falland, B Egert, A Daken, T Adler, J Beckman, T Chinner; Bar - J Hanley, S Roberts, L Smith, T Lipschinski, D Jug, J Hite.

Goals: Ang - N Falland 6, B Egert 3, D Jones, S Hood, S Rathjen 1 ea; Bar - S Roberts 6, N Emes 2, L Smith 1.

Freeling 2.5 5.6 6.7 7.8(50)

Nuriootpa 2.0 4.4 4.6 4.10(34)

Best: Free - D Drummond, B Copperwheat, A Martin, J Martin, M Doherty, L Shanahan; Nuri - S Hausler, C McGorman, A Edwards, B Verne, L Smith, C McConnachy.

Goals: Free - A Cocks 2, T Ruediger 2, J Zanandie, R McDonald, B Copperwheat 1 ea; Nuri - R Modistach 3, M Milne 1.

Gawler Central 5.3 7.8 12.13 22.14(146)

Tanunda 1.0 3.0 4.1 5.2(32)

Best: Cent - A Webster, R Liveley, A Crothers, A Cullen, L Hewitt, L Stockdale; Tan - J Justin, E Neinhaus, T Hamann, L Hamann, J Miller, S Dalby.

Goals: Cent - A Webster 7, A Cullen 4, C Bilney 4, C Williams 2, L Hewitt 2, J Knott, A Crothers, L Stockdale 1 ea; Tan - J Justin, L Agars, L Hamra, J Frentsch, E Neinhaus 1 ea.

Willaston 2.6 2.11 7.14 10.17(77)

Kapunda 2.3 4.6 6.8 6.8(44)

Best: Will - A Cahill, T Rozman, B McLean, J Waldhuter, S Haydon, B Trigg; Kap - C Richter, M Ruppelt, J Cobbledick, D Ryan, C Richmond, D Platten.

Goals: Will - H McLean 3, J Brombal 3, P Daly, Z Borgas, G Bruce, B McLean 1 ea; Kap - M Ruppelt 2, L Norman, D Ryan, S Clancy, A May 1 ea.

JUNIOR Colts

Barossa 0.3 2.3 6.6 6.6(42)

Angaston 1.1 2.1 2.1 4.3(27)

Best: Bar - J Madgen, A Thwaites, J Traynor, D Curtis, E Carpenter, W Roberts, L Plowman; Ang - J Wilson, J Miles, H Edmead, W Falland, C Piszczuk, R Barratt, T Ryan.

Goals: Bar - J Traynor 2, A Zachopoulos 2, D Curtis 1, H Traynor 1; Ang - T Ryan 3, J Miles 1.

Nuriootpa 4.4 7.9 14.11 17.13(115)

Freeling 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1(1)

Best: Nuri - T Schiller, A Saint, D Burgess, A Bryce, B Hollitt, D O’Neil; Free - J Hancock, J Holloway, J Ruediger, K Wright, C Jericho, T Doherty.

Goals: Nuri - A Saint 5, D O’Neil 2, T Schiller 2, C Shaw, D Burgess, N Galler, R Sich, B Hollitt, S Lee, J Jaensch, A Lange 1 ea.

Gawler Central 5.3 13.9 19.14 25.15(165)

Tanunda 0.3 1.3 1.3 1.3(9)

Best: Cent - T Clark, C Edmead, R Coad, G Coulson, J Bernardo, A Cox; Tan - L Kemp, L Neldner, J Mitchell, P Neldner, D Marschall, M Wagnener.

Goals: Cent - T Clark 5, M Pike 4, R Coad 4, J Bernardo 3, M James 2, C Edmead 2, T Hutton, B Simpson, T Princiotto, A Cox 1 ea; Tan - D Marschall 1.

Willaston 5.5 6.7 10.12 16.15(111)

Kapunda 1.1 4.3 5.3 5.3(33)

Best: Will - J Waldhuter, A Jones, C Stoll, T Maple, B May, D Jones; Kap - K Johnson, L Johnston, P Keynes, A Wilson, S Pratt, M Gutterson.

Goals: Will - Complete list unavailable. J Waldhuter 4, T Maple 2, S Winterbottom 2, P Reince 1, A Jones 1, C Stoll 1, J May 1; Kap - C Caven 2, K Johnson, A Wilson, R Jennings 1 ea.