A SOLID second-quarter effort helped set up victory for Penola A Grade in round seven of Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara football on Saturday.
The Eagles faced a tough Border Districts outfit and were forced to work hard for the win.
However, they increased their lead at every break, then in typical style ran the game out with four final-quarter goals to ice the game.
In the end it was a 33-point margin on the back of nine goals from Brad and Adam Merrett.
Brad Merrett kicked six of those, while Adam added the remaining three in another impressive effort up forward.
The opening term saw the Eagles struggle against a fast-running Borders outfit.
While the first break saw a two-point margin favouring Penola, Borders had managed seven scoring shots to the Eagles’ four.
The accuracy of Penola in front of goals swung the game in its favour.
“They (Borders) have been going along pretty well, up there in the top few on the ladder,” coach Matt Tilby said.
“They have some really good footballers and came to play on their home deck.
“There was a lot of pressure on early which was good.
“We were still going alright, but they certainly served it up to us.”
From there the Eagles began to control the contest, with Borders again off line in the second term, with two goals and three behinds, to the Eagles’ four major and two minor scores.
That stretched the margin further and at the long break Penola was in the box seat, with a handy 13-point advantage.
The game changed in the third term, as the heavens opened and a more physical approach was required.
Tilby said he was pleased with the adjustment his players made, especially up forward with a slippery ball.
“The game got really physical, so it was good to see our guys step up to the plate in that regard,” he said.
“We can play some really good free-flowing footy, but it was nice to see when it was wet they stood up.
“Brad Merrett was exceptional when it got wet, as were all of our on-ballers.
“It was a fantastic effort.”
Much of the run was generated from the back six, with Alex Moore again in top form across the half back line, along with youngsters Harry Porter and Jesse Martin.
Tilby said Porter’s job on Shawn Mansell was impressive for the 18-year-old.
“If he given a job to do, he works extremely hard at it,” he said.
“He still managed to run off and get touches as well.
“Jesse Martin was another one who did a very good job and we are getting plenty of run from him as well.”
With the rain clearing for the final term the game settled back into a fast contest.
The Eagles continued to run the game out, which has become a trademark of their play this season.
Tilby said he was pleased to have such a strong final term with the ball still wet.
“It all started from a really good base pre-season,” he said.
“The guys look after themselves really well and once you have that fitness base you can do training to suit – you’re not trying to get extra fitness into the guys.
“It holds us in good stead to run these games out.”
A look at the best players sees an impressive list – Brad Merrett, Scott Merrett, Luke Walker, Brad Bryant, Simon Berkefeld and Alex Moore.
Tilby said Scott Merrett’s work was in his typical style, the ideal captain’s role, where he was hard at the football and provided plenty of options around the ground.
He said Bryant has enjoyed an exceptional year so far and continued that run out of the backline and through the mid field.
Berkefeld has continued his classy play, but it was the overall effort which pleased the Eagles’ coach the most.
“The workrate overall on Saturday was fantastic,” he said.
“Collectively as a group it was a good team effort.”
The Eagles now prepare for Saturday’s clash against bottom side Kybybolite at McLaughlin Park, but like any other game, Tilby said he would prepare the same and take nothing for granted.
