IN a typically hard fought encounter between the two teams Wayback overcame a gallant Marble Range on Saturday.
Wayback set up the victory in the second and third terms, kicking six goals to one over these this period.
Wangary oval was in magnificent condition and conditions were perfect for football with a slight breeze towards the clubroom end.
Rangers had first use of the breeze but were unable to capitalise. Their solitary scoring shot for the term was a crumbing goal to Owen.
Coach Hayden Parker took his place in the forward pocket but was unable to have any influence on the game due to the effects of a hamstring injury, however Tynan Keeley proved his worth in the ruck as he took over the role for the Rangers usually performed by Charman.
The Rangers were able to hold the Demons to only one goal for the quarter, a conversion by Ben Sampson after a free kick. The first quarter was played between the two half lines with neither team able to penetrate the opposition's defence.
Brayden Calderwood and West starred for Rangers across half back, while Hunt and Rawson played similar roles for the Demons.
The game opened up early in the second term with a quick forward entry resulting in a courageous mark and goal to Hunt. Sara extended the lead for the Demons, which was followed by a fine running goal to Rawson who had moved forward.
First game player Ryan Kelly showed plenty of ability after being promoted from the senior colts and indicated he will be a player of the future. Matt Kelson also caused problems for the Ranger defence with his pace from the wing.
The Rangers faced a 19-point deficit at the main change and things soon got worse in the third term with Sara converting after a pack mark and Sampson ran into an open goal after getting on the end of a handball from Smith.
The margin extended to over five goals as Wayback enjoyed the advantage of extra numbers at the contest with Finlayson receiving a yellow card for the Rangers late in the second term.
However, the Rangers continued to work hard to get themselves back into the game. Todd Owen, Scott and Gurtin became busy through the midfield and Seaman took advantage of their good work to goal.
Wayback replied with goals either side of the three quarter time break to take a commanding six-goal lead. However, the never say die attitude of the Rangers had them make a spirited comeback, kicking the last four goals of the game.
Matt Parker and Seaman were prominent up forward as the Rangers dominated play for the last 15 minutes, but they had left their run too late.
This loss leaves them clearly adrift of fourth spot. There was ample evidence that Marble Range have the potential to match those teams above them however the likelihood of the Rangers emulating last year's late rise up the premiership table is diminishing with every loss.
They face a must win game next week against Boston, possibly without the services of Hayden Parker and Sargent, who both left the ground with injuries.
Wayback would be pleased with their ability to cover the loss of key players including Kelsh, Vogelsanger, O'Leary and Rodd who all withdrew before the game through injury.
They face the Peckers in a clash next week to keep alive their chances of securing a top two finish at the end of the minor round.
n By Paul Goodwin
Email a friend
Favourites
Del.icio.us
Facebook
Digg
StumbleUpon
MySpace
Reddit
Newsvine
LinkedIn
Kwoff
Twitter