Injury-hit Mount Barker shows grit, earns likely entry into upcoming Hills Football League finals
They were rocked by the loss of their ruckman at the opening bounce but Mount Barker held on to claim victory in round seven of the Hills Football League, while an ex-Sturt SANFL premiership star booted a staggering 12 of his team’s 19 goals.
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Mount Barker’s two-point win against Uraidla away on Saturday did more than just collect an important victory — it all-but secured the Barkeroos a Hills Football League finals berth.
The visitors held its nerve to triumph in the nailbiter 9.10 (64) to 9.8 (62) and tightened its hold on fourth spot.
Mount Barker’s gritty effort was even more special after losing ruckman Will Schultz at the opening bounce when he hurt a knee at the contest.
Cooper Gluyas was forced from the game early in the third quarter when he dislocated a finger which split through the skin.
Both injuries will be assess during the week.
Barkeroos coach Andrew Bruce said it was “one of those character building wins”.
“In a way we were lucky to hang on as they were coming hard at us and we ran out of legs,” Bruce said.
“It was an even contest all day and then we got to about 15 points up midway through the last quarter.
“Uraidla came at us with a couple of goals and were running over the top of us.”
Jamie Groutch, Henry Bruce (two goals) and Thomas Worthley starred for the Barkeroos.
Luke Thomas, Simon Parker (three goals) and Nick Amato stood tall for Uraidla.
Bruce said the injuries to Schultz and Gluyas, and other players in the past few weeks, was taking its toll.
“We won’t know the extent of the injuries to those players from Saturday just yet but to be fair Uraidla has had a tough run too with their injuries,” Bruce said.
“We just need to get a group together.
“We look like we have sewed up a place for the finals but you still never know.
“We play Nairne (Bremer) this week but you can’t underestimate them.”
In other results, dual Sturt SANFL premiership star Jack Osborn led Lobethal in its 19.14 (128) to 9.5 (59) triumph over Echunga away.
Osborn, who hung up his SANFL boots at the end of the 2018 season, booted 12 of the Tigers’ 19 majors.
The visitors led by 13 points at half-time before jumping out of the blocks in the second half.
Braydn Fisher and Dylan Hopgood kicked two goals each for the Tigers.
Aidan Riley, who also featured in Sturt’s back-to-back flags (2016, 17), was also a standout for Lobethal.
Tom Quinn was the hosts’ major goal kicker with three, while Cameron Bates and Liam Place worked hard.
Onkaparinga Valley held out Blackwood in another thriller at Balhannah Oval on Saturday.
The Bulldogs triumphed 13.10 (88) to 12.10 (82).
Riley Sinnott, Tim Webber and Lachlan Peter steered Onkaparinga Valley to the win.
Joe Beilby and Tom Mayo kicked three goals each.
Blackwood, which sits fifth, will need to beat ninth-ranked Echunga at home to earn a spot in the finals.
Evan Johnson, Jack Baldiserra and Joel Aish (five goals) were best for the Woods against the Bulldogs.
Top side Hahndorf flicked a switch in the second and fourth quarters to crush Nairne Bremer at Nairne.
The unbeaten Magpies cruised to a 20.16 (136) to 5.4 (34) victory.
Troy Parker-Boes, Tom Babidge (six goals) and Ben Salt (three majors) played well for Hahndorf.
Ben Power, Lachlan Hourigan and William Hooper were solid for the Rams.
SCOREBOARD
DIVISION ONE
■ Onkaparinga Valley 13.10 (88) d Blackwood 12.10 (82) at Balhannah Oval
■ Echunga 9.5 (59) lost to Lobethal 19.14 (128) at Echunga Oval
■ Nairne Bremer 5.4 (34) lost to Hahndorf 20.16 (136) at Nairne Oval
■ Uraidla Districts 9.8 (62) lost to Mt Barker 9.10 (64) at Uraidla
■ Mt Lofty — bye
DIVISION TWO
■ Kersbrook 18.10 (118) d Meadows 5.2 (42) at Kersbrook
■ Birdwood 19.11 (15) d Macclesfield 9.3 (57) at Birdwood Oval
■ Torrens Valley 2.2 (14) lost to Ironbank Cherry Gardens 16.12 (108)
■ Gumeracha 10.9 (69) d Kangarilla 7.12 (54)
■ Bridgewater Callington Raiders — bye
THIS WEEK
■ Mt Lofty v Uraidla
■ Hahndorf v Onkaparinga Valley
■ Mt Barker v Nairne Bremer
■ Blackwood v Echunga
■ Lobethal — bye