The BL&G outfit was the clear winner at Freeling as the association battle with the Hills League resumed on Saturday.

The BL&G had a clean sweep of the three game event for the first time in its five year history.

While the Under 15 and Under 17 games were tight contests, the main event saw the BL&G control the scoreboard.

The final margin of 55 points didn’t reflect the quality of both teams, but did highlight the BL&G’s better balanced combination.

This was most evident in the first quarter when the Hills were kept scoreless by a rebounding attacking defence who backed themselves.

Darren Sharp, Brad Valentine and Shawn Gibson were outstanding, and with Matt Cragg-Sapsford and Luke Wells controlling the airspace at the stoppages the Hills found it difficult to set up clear options.

BL&G on-ballers Ben Newberry, Aaron Bayliss and Brad Taylor from Kapunda were finding plenty of possessions and up forward Alex Kennedy and Scott Hahn were dangerous.

The Hills were smashed across half forward and rarely got within genuine scoring distance, their first goal didn’t come until well into the second quarter.

The BL&G had the game all but sewn up at half time.

Best players were hard to select considering the galaxy of stars and with most spending some time on the bench as players were rotated.

On-baller Ben Newberry won the inaugural Pitman Medal for best afield and was a worthy recipient edging out some hot competition from defenders Darren Sharp and Brad Valentine.

The two Brad Taylors were also prominent and along with all the running players had their share of the leather, however one obvious difference between the two teams was the ruck duo of Matt Cragg-Sapsford and Luke Wells.

The Hills had no answer to these two in form players either in size or ability.

Full forward Alex Kennedy was an obvious difference also and although he was made to earn his possessions he still collected five goals.

Opposition sent packing

Under 15

A brilliant last quarter effort by Angaston’s Steve Rusca was the catalyst to the BL&G’s first win of the James Shield in five attempts.

This under 15s match looked to be going the same way as the previous four at half time.

But the local team charged home with four last quarter goals, against the breeze, to win a thriller by two points.

“It is a real credit to the group, as they worked really hard to achieve this victory,” coach Matt Gallarello said.

“We started well, but the second quarter let us down, but the groups work rate and commitment to the task in the second half was tremendous.

“The four goals against a stiff breeze in the final term displayed the character of this combination.”

Young ruckman from Nuriootpa, Luke Jaunay, after a strong four-quarter performance received the Central District award for ‘best on ground’ in this match, while captain Cameron Felstead, fellow Lion Brett Whitelaw, Willaston’s Josh Waldhuter and Caleb Edmead from the Gawler Centrals were also strong contributors in the excellent team effort.

Edmead, Felstead and Rusca each kicked two goals in the win as well. - Peter Argent

Under 17½

In a match as physical and uncompromising as any A grade contest, the BL&G claimed the Weatherald Shield for the fourth successive year.

The home team was 28-points up at the last break and held on against a last quarter Hills surge.

“Our stronger bodies over the ball and physicality was a major part of the reason for this victory,” BL&G coach David Berry said.

“It was a good contest all day and it was a matter of closing the game out in the last quarter - pushing a player back to play loose in defence.”

“I must give credit to the Hills for their skill level and they made this a competitive encounter.”

Kapunda’s Tom McKinnon was best on ground, playing at half back. He tackled ferociously and drove the ball forward consistently.

Dynamo Max Doherty from Freeling gave plenty of drive while Lion Stuart Foster was hard working and skillful.

Up forward Magpie Lachlan Agars and Tiger Chris Bilney kicked three goals each.

Bilney had at least 10 shots at goal.

Vice captain Freeling’s Tyson Reudiger, with South Gawler’s Josh Vermeeren, and big Lions ruckman Richard Rosewell were also important contributors.

The only negative to come out of the match were injuries to Aron Fechner (Tanunda) and Ashley Parsons (South).

- Peter Argent