Yea Showgrounds.
The Yea tigers were 15 points behind at three quarter time yet surprised many with an opening round win against last years’ runners up Kinglake.
Yea won by nine points as Kinglake run out of stamina after half time with Yea’s young players and new recruits celebrating an unlikely win.
Kinglake opened the days’ play and kicked the first goal. Yea quickly responded with a behind and kicked their first goal ten minutes into the first quarter. The Laker’s Bailey Robinson soon responded with Kinglake’s second goal before handballing to another player for Kinglake’s third goal.
Kinglake laid 15 tackles with nine clearances, 24 handball receives, eight inside 50s and two forward presses. Yea had nine clearances and five inside 50s, Yea 2.2 (14) to Kinglake 3.2 (20) to be six points ahead at the quarter time break.
Kinglake’s playing coach Brad Wilkinson addressed the Kinglake players.
“Our work rate has to stay at that high intensity [and] we need to rotate more so we’ve still got legs in those last five minutes”
“We spoke about it before the game…that shouldn’t be an issue from now on…we’ll put five or six goals on the board this quarter,” Wilkinson said.
Two minor melees opened the second quarter before Yea quickly kicked two goals which would be their only second quarter goals. Kinglake then fired up kicking five goals before half time. Kinglake having eight clearances, 33 handball receives and 14 inside 50s. Kinglake by 26. With Yea 4.3 (27) Kinglake 8.5 (53).
Opening the third quarter Yea’s Indi Kaak kicked for goal, but missed to the right as Yea began catching up as Kinglake ran out of ‘legs with Yea kicking four goals and two points to Kinglake two goals three points. Despite a 15-point lead at three quarter time. Kinglake’s tackle rate dropped to just six whilst Yea increased its forward presses to five. Yea 8.5 (53) Kinglake 10.8 (68).
Kinglake playing coach Brad Wilkinson addressed the players during the third quarter break.
“That 30 minutes is done and dusted now…all we can do is focus on the next…”
“30 minutes of football and we’ve got a week off.”
Yea’s Cameron Evans kicked a goal with Yea now nine points behind Kinglake. Following another melee Yea are awarded 50 metre penalty then kick another goal with the match now a one goal game at the 11 minute mark of the final quarter.
With five minutes left Kinglake were leading by three points before Yea’s Julian Mahon kicked a goal to see Yea ahead by three points. Despite several attempts, Kinglake couldn’t get back on their feet in the final quarter with Yea winning by nine points.
“We were lazy, we were out ran…” said Kinglake playing coach Brad Wilkinson to Kinglake players after the game.
YEA 13.7 (85)
KINGLAKE 11.10 (76)
Text & Images ©COPYRIGHT 2017 Kinglake Ranges News.
Article first published in The Local Paper and Yea Chronicle, April 12, 2017.
