Angaston celebrated Matt Doecke’s 300th game in style with a 40-point win at Williamstown.
By beating Barossa District on Saturday, the Panthers have ensured they remain in the race for a top four finish.
On the other hand, the result is a blow for Barossa who last week had jumped into third spot and now find themselves sitting in fifth and wondering where last week’s form went.
The Bulldogs seemed flat from the first bounce while the Panthers were on the attack.
Barossa was able to claw its way back by quarter time but were blown away in the second quarter as Angaston added 7-6 to a single goal from the home side.
Craig Harvey was the main ball winner for the visitors as he controlled the midfield proceedings but Doecke was playing an important role in his milestone game.
He eventually finished with five goals and perplexed his younger opponents with some vintage moves.
Barossa was hurt badly by the loss of Michael Taylor (back) in the first half which effectively halved their midfield strength.
Darren Sharp provided the best resistance across halfback for the Dogs but he was unable to stop Angaston’s volume of delivery into the forward 50.
Heath Commane was able to kick five goals for Barossa but overall he was well contained by Ben Klemm.
Andrew Pech continued his rich vein of form as he was a livewire in attack for the Panthers but his four goals could easily have been much more if not for the close checking of Launce Kent who continues to grow as a reliable defender.
With the game beyond reach at three-quarter time, Barossa coach Rian Nelson changed tack slightly.
“We knew by that stage that the game was gone and it was time to teach so Alex Stone was given the job on Harvey,” Nelson said.
“And we gave a few other tasks to our kids to try to get something out of the game.”
For Angaston, there were a number of positives, including the play of 17-year-old Nick Falland who started to look at home at this level in his third game of senior football.
“It was a great result for us as a club to be able to win on Matt’s special day,” Craig Hadden, Angaston coach said.
“This win gives us a big opportunity now and the next two games will be vital for our future in 2009.”
Hadden’s focus now turns to playing Willaston in two week’s time for what will be another season-defining game for both clubs.
Angaston’s form has been patchy while Willaston will be keen to atone for last Saturday’s debacle against cross-river rival Gawler Central.
Barossa District has the bye after the rep game break before playing Willaston in what now becomes a desperate clash for the Dogs in the race to a final’s berth.
Their form has also been inconsistent and no doubt Nelson will be outing watching the Angaston - Willaston encounter.
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