James Murphy
KALANGADOO 12.12 (84) d TANTANOOLA 4.10 (34)
KALANGADOO has jumped to third position on the ladder after a good win at home against Tantanoola in Round 5 of Mid South Eastern football.
The Magpies were always going to pose a challenge for the visiting Tigers, who have just the one win at this point of their campaign.
Unfortunately for the guests, things progressed as expected and by quarter time it was evident the home team was not looking to mess around.
Kalangadoo outscored the Tigers four-goals-to-one to start things off, before steadily increasing the lead in each following quarter.
Meanwhile, Tantanoola added just one goal in each term to post an underwhelming total of 34 points at the final siren.
As such the margin grew to 26 points heading into half time, before another three goals from the Magpies pushed it out to 36 at the last change.
Ben Mules found plenty of the ball up forward and he finished with a match-high four goals in a strong performance from the vice captain.
Dylan Bromley, Ben Gregory and Tye McManus also had their share of action around the attacking arc and each scored two majors.
However, it was the efforts down the ground from Mathew Fatchen which impressed most and he was awarded the best-on-ground mantle.
Tom Williams was also solid, while James Pratt and McManus featured highly as well.
Jack O’Connor and Gregory rounded out the best in another strong outing from the Magpies.
For Tantanoola Brandon Pitts put in a best-on-ground performance and provided some resistance against the tide, while Jordan Hatt and Hayden Brown were also good.
Regardless, it was not enough to deny the reigning premiers victory.
The Magpies will be pleased to enter next week’s bye coming off consecutive wins and will have a Round 7 meeting with Port MacDonnell on their minds.
So far Kalangadoo has been unable to topple any of the top-four teams, despite residing there itself.
The side will want to rectify that against the “Bay” but it will be no small ask after a string of impressive outings from the Demons.
As for the Tigers, they face that challenge next round and will enter the clash with their backs against the wall.
