Big second half lifts Pioneer over Souths in the 14th edition of the Foster/Webb Shield

Three-way battle for the minor premiership and outright flag favouritism in the Central Australian Football League

Jawoyn Cole-Manolis gains possession of the ball in Pioneer’s hard fought win over Souths in their annual Foster-Webb Shield clash. Picture: Charlie Lowson

PIONEER continued its rise up the CAFL Premier League ladder with a hard fought 17-point win over Souths in the annual Foster-Webb shield game at Traeger Park.

The Eagles trailed by a point at halftime but upped their workrate in the third and fourth quarters to win back the shield from holders Souths.

Second gamer John Harvey played his second game in a green and gold jumper after moving from the Bendigo Pioneers.

Harvey’s composure and ball getting ability out of the middle provided several scoring opportunities for Shawn Foster and Clayton Walker, who booted seven goals between them.

Eddie Hampton and Jackson Cole were outstanding in defence for the Eagles,

Souths did most things right in the first two quarters before letting their guard down in the all-important last half.

Roos coach Darren Talbot watched his side outplay Pioneer in the second quarter when they kicked four goals to three before they dropped away in the last half.

“I was disappointed the fellas let their guard down in the second half with some undisciplined team play that cost them dearly,’’ he said.

“Commitment and effort are the key words when playing games like this.’’

Souths got four quarter performances from several players, including Tyrell Martin, Dylan Alice, Darren Abbott, Scott Young, Daniel Stafford and Mikey Tilmouth in a game they could easily have won.

Rovers had too much experience for the young Wests side at Albrecht Oval, booting 17 goals to one in the first three quarters before going on to win by 109 points.

Former GWS Giant, Essendon and Sydney utility Shaun Edwards stood out with five goals from a forward flank in his first game for the premiers, while spearhead Tosh Kunoth repeated the dose with five goals of his own.

Blues coach Damien Hall was more concerned with his side’s use of the football than what was happening on the scoreboard.

“We had a pretty ordinary game the week before, so we just wanted to get back to doing what we do well and we were able to do that,’’ he said.

The Premier League ladder now has three sides locked on four wins, with only percentage separating Rovers, Federal and Pioneer in the top three.