Jerilderie Demons stand tall

Jerilderie’s thirds finished the Picola & District League home and away season on a high, seeing off the Blighty Redeyes by 37 points at Monash Park on Saturday.The Demons hit the ground running, kicking five goals straight in the first term. Brad Aylett had a solid game, using his pace to his advantage and in the forward line and Tom Kennedy was a strong marking forward, kicking four goals for the game. The second quarter saw the Dees continue to push forward, but Blighty’s pressure resulted in more points than goals. Blair Eddy showed his class with some silky ball skills and Brody Benjamin played his usual hard at the ball style of game. After the main break Jerilderie asserted their control, kicking four goals while keeping Blighty goalless. Ben Coghill dominated up forward with some strong marking and selfless play. The last quarter saw Blighty regroup and lift to double their score, but it was not enough and Jerilderie had a comfortable victory. Final score, Jerilderie 12.9 (81) to Blighty 6.8 (44).Jerilderie’s better players were Ben Coghill (one goal), Tom Kennedy (four), Brad Aylett, Blair Eddy (three), Cruz Nash (two) and Brody Benjamin.Harvey White (one goal) was Blighty’s best, well supported by Jack Charlton, Sam Dudley (two), Kobi Baxter and Henry Michael.The winless Redeyes will head into their semi final clash as heavy underdogs when they face off against an undefeated Berrigan side at Berrigan on Saturday.Blighty’s fourths will enter their semi final in fine form following an impressive 51 point win against Jerilderie.The round six clash at Monash Park saw the Redeyes put together their best performance for the year.The young Demons started slowly with Blighty keeping the Demons to just one goal for the first half, taking a 23 point lead into the main break.The second quarter saw Blighty step up the pressure, but Jerilderie continued to fight hard with Lachie Wells kicking a goal late in the quarter, thanks to a brilliant shepherd from Riley Boag. After the main break, Jerilderie lifted their work rate with Evan Lawton making some critical tackles and Angus Moloney providing a mobile option up forward. Despite some great play from Tex Flack and Chase Neutze, the Demons could not generate enough momentum to overcome the Redeyes.Final score, Blighty 9.10 (64) to Jerilderie 2.1 (13).Cobi Johnson starred for Blighty to be named best on ground, dominating by running out of the backline and spending time in the middle.An unfortunate end to the game for Cobi soured the victory however, with the young-gun breaking his collar-bone in the last quarter.Max Caruso continued his strong form at centre half forward, while Logan White’s pace on the wing resulted in him scoring four goals.Others to perform well were onballer/forward pocket Seth Morris (two goals), forward Toby Grimwood (one) and skipper Will Dudley, who had another strong game in the middle.For Jerilderie, Ben Kennedy provided the critical driving force from the centre and Nicola DiLullo started well in the backline.Evan Lawton made some critical tackles and Angus Moloney provided a mobile option up forward, while Tex Flack and Chase Neutze closed out the best.Blighty coach Matt Dudley said he rated the game as his side’s strongest performance for the year.‘‘The main thing is that everyone is enjoying their footy,’’ he said.‘‘It was a very good game. Jerilderie did play quite well despite what the scoreline showed.‘‘It was quite a warm day and we rotated off the bench well so everyone could get a drink and get plenty of time on the field.‘‘We are starting to hit our peak at the right time of the year and everyone is excited to take on Berrigan this weekend.’’The third placed Redeyes will travel to Berrigan to face the second placed Saints in a semi final on Saturday.There was no fifths game held on Saturday, with the Redeyes playing their last game in round five.