Leeton-Whitton win Riverina League qualifying final over MCUE by 47 points

The Crows will take on Collingullie-Glenfield Park for the first place in this year’s grand final after dismantling the Goannas, 16.14 (110) to 10.3 (63) in the qualifying final at Narrandera Sportsground.

Leeton-Whitton were on from the outset but broke the game open with four consecutive goals in the second quarter to go into half-time 22 points clear.

It was more of the same in the third quarter as the Crows lapped up the spacious surrounds of Narrandera to run in another five straight goals and stretch the margin to 46 points at the final change.

To make matters worse for MCUE, key forward Jordan Foster went down with a serious knee injury in the third term that looks almost certain to end his season.

The Crows delivered on the glimpses of their best form they showed throughout the year, with midfielders Bryce O’Garey and Toby Conroy leading the charge.

Jade Hodge produced one of his best games up forward and in combination with Daniel Muir, the Crows’ twin towers proved almost unstoppable.

Hodge, the Crows coach, attributed the brilliant team performance to the pressure they applied on MCUE.

“The pleasing thing is that I’ve known it’s there all year, we just haven’t been able to put it all together like we did today,” Hodge said.

“Again, we still didn’t play a perfect game but when we bring pressure like that, the rest comes.

“I’ve said it all year, it doesn’t matter who you are, if you’re put under pressure, you’ll make mistakes. And to the boys’ credit, we applied that pressure and we were willing to run back the other way. Our two-way running I thought was fantastic today.”

While there has been queries on the Crows’ ability to handle big grounds in the past, Hodge loved the way his team took to Narrandera Sportsground.

“On a big ground, especially with our forward line, if we can isolate teams and work the way we did today, we will trouble sides and we’ve known that,” he said.

“I suppose playing on smaller grounds, it gives them a chance to clog up the space in front of us.

“We’ve worked really hard from last season. We’ve had a massive pre-season, we’ve added a little bit more youth into the side so we’ve got that leg speed and as I’ve said, the big ground suits us.”

Aside from Conroy, O’Garey, Hodge and Muir, Jayden Lehman, Neil Irwin and Brad Boots were also two of the Crows’ best.

Youngsters Cooper Sharman and Ryan Dunn also showed plenty of promise on the big stage.

For MCUE, Nathan Byrne worked hard all day, while youngsters Lachie Kendall and Jack Carey tried hard.

The Goannas were unhappy with the umpiring, and said they will review footage of the game before considering a formal complaint.

Andrew Dickins was reported for rough conduct on Bryce O’Garey in the opening term.