St Mary’s play tough in win v Southern Districts in Round 15 NTFL action, Jack Landt a standout kicking four goals

KEEN to jump back into second position on the ladder, St Mary’s did what was necessary and defeated a spirited Southern Districts at Marrara on Saturday night.

Veteran Raphael Clarke was a standout for St Mary’s in its Round 15 win over Southern Districts. Picture: Che Chorley

KEEN to jump back into second position on the ladder, St Mary’s did what was necessary and defeated a spirited Southern Districts at Marrara on Saturday night.

In the relatively heavy conditions Saints were often untidy, but eventually prevailed 13.10 (88) to 6.7 (43).

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Scrambly footy greeted supporters until Districts’ wandering forward Luke Kiel found space and bombed through the first goal of the game from 55m out.

With the knowledge that a win was essential, the tri-colours had the better of the early exchanges but couldn’t maximise effort with goals, until a 50m penalty to Jesse Clark gifted his side its second for the term.

But step-up Saints big man Brandyn Grenfell, and groundball specialist Shannon Rioli and the Green Machine were on equal terms as time-on approached.

Nathaniel Paredes was once again one of the best on ground against Southern Districts. Picture: Che Chorley

The arm-wrestle continued in the second and, with Raphael Clarke (St Mary’s) and Billy Rolfe (Disrtricts) leading their defences, goals were not forthcoming until Rioli danced through traffic and passed to Liam Fiore, who duly goaled for the first major at the 19-minute mark.

Another to Josh Cheek one minute later and the Greens went to the long break with a 16-point lead.

The opener in the third was a beauty from outside 50m by Jack Landt, and that was followed by a warranted free kick and goal to Grenfell, and St Mary’s finally had some breathing space.

Saints’ Lucas Jellyman-Turner competes for the ball in the mud. Picture: Che Chorley

Three late goals to Districts late in the quarter gave their side a hint of a comeback.

Although both sides were clearly leg weary in the last, a show of brilliance from Dylan Landt, who goaled off the ground, together with a solid big-man performance from Fiore, saw Saints deliver the goods.

Tough midfielder/forward Jack Landt roamed the ground all day and booted four goals in a polished display.

Saints’ Shaun Edwards tries to break clear from the Crocodiles’ defence. Picture: Che Chorley

“First time I’ve kicked four with Saints, and we won a tough game so I’m pretty happy,” Landt said after the game.

“Districts were good today – they kicked the first couple of goals and we had to catch up, which we did and got away in the end.

“We are not really thinking of finals yet – they are pretty much set. We are working at getting as high on the ladder as we can.”

ST MARY’S 2.3 4.7 8.10 13.10 (88)

STH DISTRICTS 2.1 2.3 5.5 6.7 (43)

GOALS

St Mary’s: J Landt 4 L Fiore 3 B Grenfell 2 S Rioli J Creek N Paredes D Landt.

Sth Districts: J Bailey 2 L Kiel J Clark J Dahlhaus T Carroll.

BEST

St Mary’s: J Landt D Landt R Clarke L Taylor M Wilkinson.

Sth Districts: M Bowden J Clark A Boseley M Duffy B Rolfe.