A RELENTLESS performance by the Penola Eagles was too much for Bordertown on Saturday when the teams met in Round 13 of Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara football.
The Eagles did not take the foot off for the full four quarters and at the final siren recorded a 68-point victory over the Roosters.
Despite key player absences due to the SA Country Championships and injury, Penola banded together in a hardy team effort to make up for those losses.
Scott Merrett and Brad Bryant donned the Murray South East strips for the weekend, while Adam Merrett coached the side.
Brad Merrett was also an out on Saturday, while Simon Berkefeld was injured and could not play.
That left a large hole to fill, but it was unnoticeable as the Eagles surged ahead to a 16-point lead at the first change and did not look back from there.
By half time the margin was 24 points, while a five-goal third term sealed the deal to put the guests 50 points clear heading into the final stanza.
Another four goals were scored by Penola in the last term, while the Roosters managed just the one.
The pressure from the Eagles throughout the game was undeniable, with a massive 63 tackles for the match.
“The pressure we put on and around the footy created lots of opportunities,” coach Matt Tilby said.
“We had 63 tackles for the day, which is a really big number for us.
“Of those, 13 were inside our forward 50, which is a really good reflection of the forward line pressure we put on to keep the ball in there.”
Tilby said he was “rapt” with his team’s performance on Saturday and
“It was a great team effort,” he said.
“It was the first time nearly for the year that it was four genuine quarters of hard work.
“The boys were relentless all day and I was rapt with the result.”
The goals were shared around and Luke Walker top scored with three majors, while Josh Currie, Jordan Galpin, Simon Merrett and Brock Egan chipped in with two each.
“The goals were shared around which was really good,” Tilby said.
“There were certainly some good avenues to goal there.”
A highlight of the day saw 18-year-old Harry Porter named as captain of the side in Scott Merrett’s absence.
He stepped up to the challenge and put in an impressive performance.
“As an 18 year old, he took it on board and played a fantastic leader’s game,” Tilby said.
“He played through the midfield and swapped up forward.
“His leadership and maturity is beyond his years and I thought his game was absolutely outstanding.”
He was named as second best for his efforts, while it was the performance from Jordan Galpin which received the best-on-ground honours for the day.
“Jordy has come back from a knee injury and then had a collarbone injury, so he has had a pretty interrupted season,” Tilby said.
“He was tough as anything and was relentless all day.
He has poise and composure with ball in hand and uses it well.”
Alex Moore impressed as well and put in another hardy effort in the backline, to lead the Eagles’ defence and repel any attacks made by Bordertown.
Brock Egan was another who rose to the occasion and he received praise from his coach.
“Brock Egan was fantastic – he worked hard and played in the centre on Saturday and finished with a couple of goals.
“His work rate and composure with the ball in hand was second to none.”
Josh Currie and Walker also gained a mention for their consistent performances, while Jason Nysten was among the best as well.
Saturday’s result was not only a positive sign for Penola’s 2019 premiership chase, but for the future of the club.
A total of seven players aged 18 or under took to the field in the senior side, including 15-year-old debutante Darcy Porter.
“He played exceptionally well and was really tough around the contest – he layed some big tackles,” Tilby said.
“He relished the opportunity to have a crack and it was great to see.”
Looking ahead to this weekend the Eagles have the bye, which will provide a chance to rest some sore bodies.
However, Tilby said they will not be taking the foot of the gas and will continue to train hard ready for their round 15 meeting with Keith.
