EMERALD seniors fought hard at home against a strong Yarra Junction side at the weekend, going down by 95 points.
Emerald started slowly and allowed the taller and stronger Yarra Junction to run loose and score easily.
Accurate kicking paved the way for Yarra Junction, which had kicked 20.3 to Emerald’s 7.5 at halftime.
In the third quarter Emerald attacked the ball and managed to contain Yarra Junction while kicking five goals to four.
However the last quarter was dominated by Yarra Junction scoring with ease.
The reserves players who stepped up and helped the injurydepleted Emerald were congratulated.
Emerald never gave up trying and managed its highest score for the season, but was outclassed.
Scores: Yarra Junction 31.7.193 d Emerald 14.14.98.
Goals: Rod Smith, Clinton Marsh, Marcus Lorkin 3, Wes Wright 2, Cameron Williams, Peter McLean, Josh Huisintveld 1.
Best: Grant Minchin, Wes Wright, David Hill, Clinton Marsh, Brendan Parker.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:RESERVES
Emerald was much undermanned against a strong Yarra Junction side.
The Bombers struggled to score in the first quarter, Yarra Junction posting 6.3.
In the second and third quarters Junction outscored Emerald 11 goals to two.
The last quarter was special in that, with the result decided, Emerald stalwart Troy Wright, who has cerebral palsy, was able to take the field for the first time as a registered player and share the experience of playing with his father, two brothers and two cousins.
With the support of the Yarra Junction players, Wright managed to kick a goal to the cheers of all supporters at the ground after receiving a free kick.
Emerald president Bill Kuys thanked Yarra Junction and players for making the tribute to Troy and the Wright family possible. (See separate story on Football page 8)
Scores: Yarra Junction 21.13.139 d Emerald 8.4.52.
Goals: Mitch Watton 3, Andrew Rolfs 2, Michael Whitehead, Michael Vanleewen, Steve Wright, Troy Wright 1.
Best: Anthony Pooles, Lux Fakiki, Brad Sands, Troy Wright.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:UNDER 18
Emerald ran out against ladder leader Yarra Junction. Both sides went hard at the ball and the difference at quartertime was only four points.
In the second quarter a more determined Junction side managed three goals while keeping Emerald goalless.
In the third quarter Emerald outplayed Junction and managed to post 2.5 to 0.1, reducing the deficit to four points going into the last quarter.
Emerald continued its previous form and was determined not to be shown up by the ladder leader. Emerald again outplayed Junction, kicking 2.3 to 0.2 and managed to snatch victory in the dying minutes.
Scores: Emerald 6.12.48 d Yarra Junction 6.6.42.
Goals: Jesse Mather, Robbie Stewart 2, Michael Thoms, Daniel Hill 1.
