AARON DEGREEF

WILLASTON flexed its muscles with a 13-point win over Barossa District on Saturday in Barossa Light & Gawler A-grade football.

From the first bounce, it was clear this game was going to be tight.

Each midfielder was playing man-on-man defence, and the intensity of both the forward’s and backmen’s pressure was highly impressive.

However, Willaston took the early advantage as Brodie Cormack opened the scoring with a textbook set-shot goal.

The arm wrestle continued until Donnybrooks forwards Michael Howson and Chad Norsworthy slotted another two majors.

Not content with letting Willaston run free, Barossa forward Leigh Ryswyk snapped a goal from close range, reducing the margin to 15 points at the first break.

The Donnybrooks extended their lead in the opening minutes of the second stanza as Jamie Williams slotted a brace, both from 40 metres out, while Norsworthy added another goal.

Despite the increased pressure, Barossa muscled the footy into its half and managed to feed Darren Sharp.

A screamer and goal by Howson halted the Dogs’ momentum briefly, before Ryswyk kicked a wind-assisted goal on the siren to ensure his side only trailed by three goals at the main break.

After half-time, both teams began attacking the ball with a renewed ferocity, and like the first quarter the pressure was tough.

For the opening five minutes, the ball was stuck in the midfield.

Finally, Willaston broke the drought with the sole goal of the quarter, and went into three-quarter-time with a comfortable 26-point lead.

The final term began with a bang as the Donnybrooks forced the footy into their half.

Although they continued dominating the play, they failed to capitalise on their opportunities, allowing Barossa players Tyson Lane, Ethan Gant and Adam Spencer to convert three goals.

However, the damage had already been done during the first half, and was enough to give Willaston its first win of the season.

Speaking after the game, coach Shaun Baker said it was a scrappy affair, but pleasing to get the victory.

“We tried to play a certain style, but we just got dragged back,” he said.

“Adam Connelly and Alex Barclay, among many others, were great.

“We just need to improve on forward entries, we were kicking the ball long and high and not putting it in front of our big fellas.”

The Donnybrooks take on Gawler Central this Saturday in a must-win clash for both sides, while Barossa hosts in-form Angaston.