By Nick Kossatch
Renmark’s “yo-yo” season continued after they recorded a 79-point win against bottom-placed Loxton North at Renmark Oval.
The hosts held a two-goal lead at half-time but Ben Wagnitz provided them with much-needed spark when he booted five second-half goals in the Rovers’ 14-goals to three blitz in that period.
The oval was heavy and the Panthers kept Renmark honest during the first quarter.
The 2008 runners-up failed to take full advantage of the wind and led by just 13 points at the first break with Matt Camplin kicking three goals.
Craig Seekamp started in ruck with regular ruckman Nathan Farr in the forward line. Both players were effective from the outset.
It was entertaining football in the first term highlighted by North’s Ryan Proud swooping on a loose ball to goal.
Renmark’s Paul Stelzer responded with a major on the boundary – the wind pushing the ball between the uprights.
Anton Cook kicked three goals for Loxton North in the first quarter as well.
His team did not capitalise on the use of the breeze in the second stanza with both sides kicking four goals.
Farr kicked the first of the quarter during which Renmark’s Adam Bryant, captain Trevor Thorpe, Simon Callahan and Matt Martinson were industrious.
Brad Mules, with his exceptionally efficient ball use from one so young, and iron-willed captain Michael Arnold were equally as effective for the Panthers.
Arnold made something from nothing hard up against the boundary on the club side.
He dished off a wonderfully weighted handpass to Cook who goaled from point blank range.
The Navy Blues were up to the challenge just like they were against Waikerie a fortnight ago.
Cook booted his fifth courtesy of persistence from Mules and athletic forward Jeremy Payne.
Mules frustrated opponent Jaryd Rowe – made more-so by his brilliant mark against the speedy Renmark wingman.
Seekamp did ease Renmark’s anxiety with a goal from a well-timed lead to put them 13 points up at half-time.
Whatever Renmark coach Brenton Venables told his players at the break seemed to work.
The Rovers unleashed their 2008 form with a brand of quick, powerful and running football.
After Brett Exelby kicked his first from a Matthew Stelzer pass – Wagnitz, who spent the whole first half on bench, went berserk kicking his terrific trio of goals.
The game was getting away from the visitors but Cook’s sixth major momentarily gave them a “pulse”.
Harrison Beavis soon put North to rest with a great running goal that excited the crowd.
Renmark built on their 55-point three-quarter-time lead with the opening two goals to Wags.
They kept their feet on the gas with Seekamp’s fourth goal in the big man’s best game for the year.
The Panthers had some positives in the last quarter with Michael Scott very impressive on a wing.
Lively Payne booted North’s only goal for the quarter but it was Exelby who put the icing on the cake for Renmark with their fifth and his second goal.
Bryant, the Stelzer brothers and Simon Callahan shone in midfield and Russel Menz was solid in defence.
Seekamp and Matt Camplin both booted four majors, Ben Townsend (three goals) and with Wagnitz they kicked 16 goals between them.
For North it was Arnold, who was as courageous as ever, Cook led all scorers with six goals and Mules being their best.
Brad Perry in midfield and Kyle Worsfold along with Ryan and Justin Proud were dependable in a crisis.
WRITER’S VOTES
5: A. Bryant (R)
4: C. Seekamp (R)
3: A. Cook (LN)
2: P. Stelzer (R)
1: M. Arnold (LN)
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,
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