Sport
17 May, 2024
Keeble key for Pies
BIG name Boort recruit James Keeble inspired the developing Pies to hang on for a vital two-point victory over Wycheproof Narraport in North Central football on Saturday. The strength and agility of the former Ballarat league top flight player...
BIG name Boort recruit James Keeble inspired the developing Pies to hang on for a vital two-point victory over Wycheproof Narraport in North Central football on Saturday.
The strength and agility of the former Ballarat league top flight player proved crucial for the Pies getting the ball inside its forward 50. Holding off the dogged Demons in the last quarter also brought out a trait not seen in the Pies in recent years.
Capitulation to pressure in the dying minutes of matches has frustrated coach Dale Cameron since he took over last season.
But Saturday perhaps marked a turning point and hope the Pies are building mental toughness.
Tom Potter in the centre put in another performance to catch the eyes of fans and those giving out the votes while onballer Jhye Baddeley-Kelly is proving to be among the Pies’ most consistent in the season that now has a squared ledger - two wins and two losses ahead of this weekend’s league bye.
James Byrne had a better day in the ruck after the torrid encounter with Wedderburn’s Jordan Hargreaves the previous week.
Boort showed its potential to have a big win against the Demons with five goals in the first quarter, before the visitors bounced back in the second term of the Pink Round and trail by just seven points at the main break.
Scoring shots were equal in the vital third term, luckily for the Pies, accuracy was better and the lead extended to 12 points.
Wycheproof Narraport came out in the final stanza. This time it was the Demons more accurate in front of goal.
While Boort had much of the play all day, conversion and accuracy in front of goal remains to be locked into the goal plan.
Cameron said the Pies still have to learn how to put sides away.
Boort sits one game outside the top four but with a percentage off the mark of Donald.
The grand final rematch saw Sea Lake Nandaly account for Nullawil by 28 points.
Josh Jenkins with nine goals was clearly the Tigers’ best.
Birchip Watchem is the only undefeated side after five rounds and boasts a vastly superior percentage.