Barmera Monash v Renmark

 

BARMERA MONASH V RENMARK RFL – ROUND 11 2011, Sat July 2nd 2011

By Nick Kossatch at Barmera

Barmera Monash flexed its’ finals-bound muscles with a powerful eight-goal final quarter to defeat Renmark by 40-points in round 11 of RFL. It certainly was not all one-way traffic prior to the final quarter because the Rovers came out to play in the first quarter at Lakeside Oval. Craig Seekamp (seven goals) kicked five goals for the term in one of the great individual displays in a quarter.

The visitors shell-shocked the Roos to lead by 26-points at quarter time. Seekamp kicked his goals by either taking strong contested marks or by working his opponent, Aaron Nettlebeck, under the ball. He had able support from fellow forwards Dale Pfeiffer (three goals) and Ryan Bennett, who was giving returning defender Simon Maddern a difficult time.

Only wingman, Michael Smart and half back, Darren Perry seemed switched on for Barmera but in the second quarter things turned around despite a shower making conditions a little slippery. That did not stop a couple pieces of brilliance from both sides. The Roos booted three successive goals to close to within seven points following a terrific piece from Darren Perry, who sidestepped an opponent and then centred the ball to youngster Jake Schwertfeger. His clever checkside kick found the leading Simon Peucker (four goals).

Renmark’s Adam Bryant, speedster Jaryd Rowe and Brett Wakefield were busy in the midfield but it was Ryan Bennett shrugging off a defender and then set up Pfeiffer. A heavy shower during the half time break would have made Barmera’s task of overcoming its’ 13-point deficit even more difficult. However, the stocky Todd Smitham, fellow Port District recruit Smart, Jake Smith (three goals) and Lachlan Middleton had other ideas.

The hosts dominated the second half – 12 goals to four although Renmark did miss a couple chances to steady early in the final quarter which could have added to its’ six-point three quarter time lead. Smitham was superb and relished in the wet conditions, handling the ball as though dry. Seekamp, who slotted his seventh goal in the third term was held goalless by Danny Millard. These factors turned the game on its’ head as Barmera had eight different goal-scorers in the final quarter.

When Jack Selfe intercepted a defensive kick from fullback and then goal, it was all over for the Rovers. Debutant Brody Jennings was amongst the goals kickers to make it a memorable one for the Roos. Barmera’s Smart, Smitham and Renmark’s Seekamp were clearly the best three players on the ground.

VOTES: 5 – Michael Smart (BM)

4 – Craig Seekamp (R)

3 – Todd Smitham (BM)

2 – Dillon Millard  (BM)

1 – Mason Middleton (BM)

 

 

About Nicholas Kossatch

Tall and intelligent and athletically built who calls a spade a spade. Love sports writing and sending letters and texts to the editor about AFL and the Port Adelaide Power - win, lose or draw. I do not sit on the fence. Soon to be 40! I play basketball and over 35's supers football. Have played amateur footy and a bit of cricket and basketball when living in Adelaide. Do some writing for the Murray Pioneer,

Comments

  1. Thanks for reviving some childhood memories for me, Nick. My dad was a regional relieving bank manager for the now defunct Savings Bank of SA in Renmark for 2 years about 1965/66. We lived in a weatherboard house near the railway shunting yard and Doevendan’s deli/bakery. Renmark Rovers were not much chop then, but I certainly have fond memories of footy and cricket in the Upper Murray as a 10/11 year old. They were all gods then. I think Russel Ebert (4 Magarey Medals) and Bruce Light (great Port Adelaide wingmen and one of the first players I remember who kicked 50 metres reliably with both feet) were youngsters with Waikerie at the time. Not sure if Malcolm Hill was still captain coach at Berri – I remember he played all season in the Upper Murray league and returned to save the day for Sturt and lead the ruck in SANFL grand final wins (can you imagine that today in the AFL?)
    I can remember Rod and Daryl Seekamp (brothers I think). Did Rod play league footy for Norwood? I know my Dad opened the batting and kept wicket for Renmark in a cricket premiership win. Rod Seekamp was a handy cricketer. I used to score and ‘substitute field’ if someone was a non/late arrival with a hangover. Remember stopping them with my shins on the dirt paddocks at Monash and Paringa.
    Great memories. Cheers.

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