General News
28 June, 2024
Twigg's the trigger for Bears
THE hype of ex-AFL Docker Josh Mellington disappeared in the second half of the blockbuster Pyramid Hill-Bears Lagoon Serpentine clash. As Mellington hobbled from Mitchell Park early in the third quarter with a hamstring injury, there to take his...
THE hype of ex-AFL Docker Josh Mellington disappeared in the second half of the blockbuster Pyramid Hill-Bears Lagoon Serpentine clash.
As Mellington hobbled from Mitchell Park early in the third quarter with a hamstring injury, there to take his place as a vital voice in the Bears’ growing grunt was Nathan Twigg.
The ruckman who returned to Janiember Park in the off-season after two injury-hit years with Boort in the North Central league had been quietly returning to the game.
Twigg, who had a delayed start to the season after getting the all-clear from concussion last season, on Saturday put in the game that heralded the quiet achiever was ready for the big stage.
It was the first major encounter for Twigg and he came through with flying colours, being named the Bears’ best.
Up against another of the league’s top ruckman Lachlan Sidebottom, Twgg showed four quarters of skill in creating opportunities out of the centre and at the boundary throw-ins.
Pyramid coach Nathan Fitzpatrick had his hands full trying to contain Twigg and Mellington in the first half.
Ironically, both clubs would name their ruckman in the best in a game that Pyramid Hill let slip with atrocious kicking for goal.
The Bulldogs had eight more scoring shots but fell seven points short at the siren.
Serpentine was more accurate and economical - kicking one behind for the match, and that came in the second term.
Mellington was again the Bears’ obvious target up forward and finished with six goals before the injury that club officials say will have him out of action for at least three weeks, and possibly four.
Serpentine put the pressure on the Bulldogs’ defence. Tom McGregor and Gavan James again held firm for Pyramid Hill and gave hope, only for their turnovers to be smothered up forward. Mitch Gunther, back from the twos, provided dash along the wing.
But it was Twigg, fellow bigman Justin Laird who teamed with defenders Tyler Miles and coach Jake Wilkinson in showing that opening round win over Pyramid Hill was not a fluke.
Pyramid Hill had its chance - matching Serpentine on the scoreboard in the second term. The goal accuracy cost the four points.
The Bulldogs have been the only side to seriously challenge Marong in the first half of the season. Both sides have been challenged to kick straight although Pyramid will not be blazing away on Saturday, it was just poor, short or misdirected kicking.
That inaccuracy was most evident in the final term when Pyramid Hill battled to snatch the win on Saturday. Seven scoring shots to two with five the wrong side of the posts.