Mullewa claim shock win as Williamson breaks another milestone

Mullewa came out unexpected winners in a hard-fought and entertaining battle against a depleted Rovers side at home on Sunday.

The Demons were forced to call on six colts players and three reserves to play their second game of their day to get their league side on the field.

The Saints celebrated their second home win in a row, after waiting three years for the first, with a 14.13 (97) to 10.8 (68) victory.

The game started at an even pace, with both teams showing poise and control early on.

Beau Simpson scored the first goal for Rovers from a defensive position, Chris Scott managed to marshal the team from the centre of the oval with his usual laidback style, and Mat Ryder and Leon Galby both scored impressive goals for the Saints while Josh Simpson and Mat Adams added to Rovers’ tally.

Mullewa took a narrow lead into quarter time, 3.2 (20) to the Demons 3.1 (19).

The second quarter saw the Saints adding four goals to their tally with Rovers managing only a single. The Demons showed their inexperience in going forward and defending, with Galby adding two more to his tally and showing his class in the air.

The half finished with Mullewa extending their lead 7.6 (48) to Rovers 4.1 (25), with the Demons showing tired legs going into the break.

The Demons showed promise with renewed vigour after the half-time talk and managed to narrow the margin to 15.

However, their young players broke down in the last quarter, showing their exhaustion after playing for most of the afternoon.

Mullewa came out as deserved winners, taking full advantage of Rovers’ depleted first team. The Saints perhaps played their best game for a long time and showed good solid teamwork across the oval.

Galby was outstanding for the Saints, booting four goals and setting up plenty of other opportunities, while Chris Wall was one of the players of the day, keeping composed even when put under pressure by the Demons’ defence.

Matt Adams was solid for Rovers, kicking two goals as Chris Scott did his best to lift his team, securing a best on ground performance. But a lack of experience was the difference in the end.

Out at Brigades, Dale Williamson played his 200th game and kicked his 800th goal to pass yet more milestones in his storied career and cement his spot as the league’s greatest goalkicker of all time.

Towns were never going to spoil the party, going down 17.21 (123) to Towns’ 2.3 (15).

Coach Dale Baynes could not hide his disappointment but was looking forward. “We will be back training next week, regroup and get ready for next weekend,” he said.

Northampton upset Railways 82 to 33 in a dominant display led by an outstanding performance by Dylan Corbett. The Rams now join Rovers on 20 points and look to be the form side of the competition with four wins in a row after a difficult start to the season.

Rovers will need to regroup fast to stop a surging Northampton away. Railways will look to bounce back against Chapman Valley while Mullewa will fancy three home wins in a row against the lowly Towns.