On a surface unworthy for modern day football, Barossa District, accustomed to their conditions, kicked clear late for a convincing 55-point win over South Gawler.
Barossa kicked the first goal of the game in the opening minute and look very dangerous until South responded immediately and took the challenge to the final contenders.
The Bulldogs went into the half-time break with a 17-point lead but the game hung in the balance with South continuing to make a charge.
The sides exchanged goals all the way through the third quarter and the Lions loomed large to finish their season on a winning note.
However, Barossa held off the challenge and ran away kicking five unanswered last quarter goals to win comfortably.
Barossa playing coach Roger James was instrumental in the win kicking nine goals and was very pleased with his side’s performance in the conditions.
“It was pleasing to kick 17 goals in the wet conditions,” James said. “It was a hard-fought slog and I was pleased we continued to run until the end finishing with five goals to the Lions none.”
James, playing from full forward, gave the Barossa midfield an excellent target when moving forward. The class and football smarts of James shone through all day in the conditions working his opponent under the contest at every opportunity.
South Gawler coach Andrew Milligan was pleased with his side’s endeavour and although they faded late he could not blame the players.
“We played terrific for three quarters and our endeavour around the football and use of the ball was pleasing,” Milligan said.
“Through no fault of our own there was a swing of momentum late in the third quarter.”
The difference between the two sides when they met last time was the lack of physicality from South Gawler around the contests but the pressure from the Lions was of a higher more competitive standard for the majority of this game.
“We focused on matching them with physicality this time and I believe we achieved that although the result did not go our way.”
The Lions blooded another youngster, the eighth under 17 player for the year, Travis Head.
“Travis made a strong debut playing as a permanent forward and roved the packs well inside the forward lines,” Milligan added.
The Barossa midfield featured heavily among the best players led by Adam Spencer, Matt Stelzer and Michael Taylor while the performance of Roger James up forward was matched by the efforts of Darren Sharp kicking three goals when he went into attack.
The back six for Barossa also gave a lot of drive and provided the ball efficiently into the hands of the midfielders.
“‘Spencer was outstanding with his in and under work while the backline held up really well and were superb in giving us drive from defence,” James said.
The Lions were served well by developing ruckman Mark Paget playing his role really well alongside Ross Christie and Ryan Porter proved instrumental early in the midfield.
“Ryan Porter was good early and it was pleasing to give him an opportunity in the midfield instead of at centre half-back while under 17 captain Aaron Bain was among the best players providing us with run and carry forward of centre.”
For Barossa they now move onto the task of reeling in the unconquerable Tanunda, but as for South Gawler it was down to the Den for ‘silly Sunday’.
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