AARON DEGREEF

TANUNDA extended its unbeaten run to three games as it overcame rival Barossa District by 22 points in Barossa, Light & Gawler A-grade football on Anzac Day last week.

The game was fiery from the first bounce, with both teams relentlessly hunting the ball with determination.

The battle quickly swung in favour of Tanunda after Leigh Westhoff slotted an early goal whilst under the pressure of the Barossa defense.

However, the Bulldogs launched a counter-strike with successive clean passages of play, feeding full-forward Darren Sharp and allowing him to put two majors on the board.

Despite Sharp hitting back, Tanunda midfielder Riley McFarlane retaliated with an additional goal to close the quarter-time difference to one point in favour of the Dogs.

The second term was similar to the first, however the tackling ferocity of the Magpies began to dominate Barossa as Aron Fechner and Westhoff scored a goal each from turnovers.

This lead was further extended by Magpies player- coach Dean Terlich, who added salt to the Dogs’ wounds with another major.

Despite the Magpies’ dominance, Daniel Kickel was solid in the midfield for Barossa, gaining crucial forward entries and slotting two well-earned goals to hold Tanunda’s lead to just two points at half-time.

From the beginning of the third stanza, it was evident the Pies’ pressure was beginning to erode the Barossa defense, as a flurry of goals saw them take command.

However, Tanunda’s steady build-up was halted by a head collision to Mc-Farlane, temporarily stoppingthe play.

This brief paused allowed Barossa to regain composure, with Ben Cummings sniping a set-shot from 50m out to relieve the tension, and keep the deficit at nine points at the final change.

The Magpies finally opened the flood gates early in the last quarter, as star forward Josh Trembath snagged three set shots.

Despite Leigh Ryswyk and Sharp providing a glimmer of hope for the Dogs, the Pies’ extensive forward pressure propelled them to a healthy 22-point victory.

Westhoff received the Anzac Medal for his stirring midfield performance, and coach Terlich was delighted with his effort.

“He and Josh Trembath played a crucial role in extending the lead in the second half,” he said.

“I’m ecstatic with the win.”