Redbacks make point or two in pressure-cooker finish

FITNESS and relentless pressure have given Wedderburn a thrilling two-point victory over Loddon rival Boort in North Central football.

Coaches Sam Barnes (Wedderburn) and Dale Cameron had predicted their sides would be in a pressure ding-dong and they were not wrong.

It was a game for defenders as both sides battled for local bragging rights. They virtually went goal for goal - and behind for behind - for four quarters. The turnover count was high in the first term, Boort quickly moving the ball out of defence and kicking four goals.

Without Jono Lanyon in the lineup, the Pies still had options across the midfield but it was again the backmen, as has been the case in opening rounds, who kept the Pies ahead.

Those defenders took their role right to the line, where last-minute touches robbed Wedderburn recording a major score.

Relentless pressure saw Wedderburn coach Sam Barnes and Tommy Campbell miss shots normally within their kicking compass.

But from mid-way through the third term, Wedderburn was back within a sniff, kicking three goals for the term and down a single point at the break, Boort and Wedderburn went goal for goal and behind for behind for the last 30 minutes.

The goal face was being peppered and a Titanic arm wrestle played out. Fitzpatrick with three goals was best for Boort while big man Nathan Twigg was again a key contributor, easily the most consistent for the Pies in five rounds. Jackson, Rosengren and Louis Holt all stepped into the vital roles for the Redbacks as they snuck home by two points after four quarters of defensive football.