Football: Kangas bounce back

North Albany has overcome a spirited Mt Barker to win their first game since round 12 by six points in what proved to be a very evenly contested match at Frost Park on Sunday.

Picture by Laurie Benson: Bulls Nathan Skinner taps the ball to advantage ahead of Kangas coach Brad Bootsma.

Kangas player-coach Brad Bootsma returned from a serious rib injury to strengthen the Kangas outfit but both sides had dominant periods throughout the match.

Mitch Tuffley was again a powerful force, racking up disposal after disposal with his hard running and contested efforts right across the ground, in the 10.12 (72) to 9.12 (66) win.

The Kangas started with the breeze, jumping out of the blocks with the first three goals only for the Bulls to hit back with the next three majors to even things up.

Either side was unable to break the game open but hard work from Sam Lehman and Peter Taylor, with a strong presence from Michael Larkin down forward, kept the Bulls pressing throughout the second and third quarters.

Stef Ericson and Scott MacKenzie ran the ball from defence well for the Kangas and, with Tuffley’s ability to find the ball, kept the contest close until the final change where they kicked away to record an impressive% victory.

The final term was a thriller with the Kangas getting out to a two-goal lead, only for the Bulls to come at them once more.

With what seemed like only minutes remaining, the home side narrowed the margin to five points before Luke St Jack had a shot to take the lead, only for it to just swing wide of the goals.

Bootsma said he pulled up quite sore after the match and was not totally happy with his side’s performance, even though they got the points.

“Our team’s disposal was poor and we made too many silly mistakes,” he said.

“Tuffley was fantastic along with Ericson and Justin Lamshed, who held up the back half very well.”

“When it really counted our defence kept their composure and we managed to get the win.”

Bulls coach Matt Taylor was very disappointed with his team’s effort.

“We had too many passengers today,” he said.

“I am extremely disappointed in the team’s efforts for what was at stake.

“I thought we were a top-two side for the season.”