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Aberfeldie Victorious In Queen's Birthday Thriller

By Jordan Zoch


Running out of time, a Tom Denning goal after the siren was not enough to see Strathmore over the line as Aberfeldie hung on for a one-point victory in a classic at Windy Hill.

The sole match of the weekend saw both top five contenders in Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division clash at the home of the EDFL on Queen’s Birthday Sunday.

With the Nena and Pasadena Match of the Day call team in attendance, the sides put on a show, with the seesawing contest providing gripping viewing.

As the match got underway Aberfeldie flexed its muscles, with majority of the early possession and running saw the ball remaining in their forward half for much of the early proceedings.

Quick transition plays from defence to forward, aided by backline pillars Daniel Thompson and Nic Cattapan continued to see Aberfeldie thwart off attacking plays thrown at them by Strathmore.

Returning from injury and unusually finding himself up forward, Tim Currie proved to be the difference early, slotting the first two majors of the afternoon, the second coming through a sublime crumb and breakaway off the pack.

Having the license to play on and rapidly move the ball up field saw Aberfeldie pile the pain onto Strathmore, a sole goal from Ben Holian their only joy for the term.

As the margin stretched to 19 points by the end of the first quarter, the second term provided Strathmore with the opportunity to wrestle back momentum and chase the gap down.

As the play and running continued to mainly stay down the primary school end of the ground, Strathmore found themselves right back in the contest come the half time siren.

A dominant quarter by the Mores was topped off by a barely believable 80-meter bomb goal from ruck Andrew Vavra.

Roving his own ball from the boundary throw in, Vavra’s effort caught everyone napping, as the Sherrin took a leg break turn for the goals.

As the teams entered the rooms at the half, Aberfeldie clung to a slender 3-point lead, kicking to the primary school, and scoring, end for the 3rd .

With the shadows starting to envelope the ground, Aberfeldie once again took the opportunity to rebuild the ascendancy lost in the second term.

Niggles and spot fires ensured as the temperature raised, and the pressure began to tighten.

Winding back the clock and judging the tricky breeze perfectly and kicking a 55-meter bomb, was veteran Kyle Reimers, the goal providing a steadier for the away side.

Going into the final term, Aberfeldie held a gettable 16-point lead and had to contend with a Strathmore team storming home with the breeze.

The feeling was there and weight of a result for both teams sat squarely in the front of their mind, as a win for Aberfeldie would ensure they remain in the hunt for the top two, as Strathmore hoped to bag the points and remain in finals contention in fifth place.

For Strathmore they however are left to rue what could be, holding Aberfeldie to a solitary point, the Mores couldn’t make up for an inaccurate final term from their behalf.

Up until the shot after the siren, the Mores had only managed a paltry 1.4 while restricting Aberfeldie to the single behind.

The final scores for the match reading Strathmore 8.7.55 defeating Aberfeldie 8.8.56.

And while Tom Denning’s after the siren goal was not enough on the day, Strathmore will take great confidence from the result knowing they can go toe to toe with one of the premiership fancies of 2022.

For his efforts Lucas Rocci was awarded with the Nena and Pasadena player of the match award, his best on performance aided by strong matches from Daniel Thompson, playing-coach Adam Marcon and Nick Meese.

Lachlan Currie played an outstanding game for the losers and Andrew Vavra imposed himself around the contest, against the formidable Nick Meese.

Looking forward to Round 10 sees Aberfeldie again on the road, visiting Monk Oval for a return fixture against Maribyrnong Park after their first-round encounter.

Strathmore return back to Lebanon Reserve, facing the winless Avondale Heights who off of a week’s rest will be hoping to cause a boil over and bag the 4 points.

FULL RESULTS HERE

SPORTSCAST AUSTRALIA MATCH REPLAY

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