Depth carries Churchill past Yarram

 CHURCHILL'S superior depth proved decisive as the Cougars pulled away after quarter time to record a 17.15 (117) to 8.13 (61) victory over Yarram.

The Demons were right in the contest early, leading by 22 points at the first break, but Churchill gradually took control as the game wore on, winning each remaining quarter to secure a comfortable victory.

Yarram coach Brett Mitchell said the turning point came after quarter time when his side's pressure dropped away, allowing Churchill to play to its strengths.

"Our pressure dropped off after quarter time, which allowed Churchill to get their running game going," he said.

Despite the loss, Kiefer Sutherland continued his strong form in front of goal with four majors to lead the Demons' scoring. Kayleb Pearce added two goals, while Tyler Chisholm and Wellesley Jenkins each kicked one.

Sutherland was also named among Yarram's best alongside Daniel Vardy, Lochie Roberts, Tyler Chisholm, Thomas Mattern and Griffin Underwood.

While pleased with the efforts of several individuals, the coach admitted the club's injury toll is beginning to test the squad's depth.

"We had some solid performers, but our depth when we get injuries is really starting to show as the season progresses. I'm still really pleased with our effort in games."

The Demons' midfield battled hard early but struggled to maintain its intensity without regular rotations, something the coach expects to improve with several players returning in the coming weeks.

"We have a few players returning from injury and unavailability, which should assist with our midfield rotations. Our midfielders are not getting the rotations they require and are getting fatigued, which allowed Churchill's mids to get on top."

Looking ahead to the final rounds of the season, recovery will be the major focus as Yarram looks to regain key personnel and finish the year on a positive note.

"It's a lot about recovery this week, trying to get as many players as we can available to play. We've proven we can be really competitive at times this season when we have our full list available, and we'll continue to develop our younger players."

Churchill was well served by Christopher Williams, Travis Nash, Jye Williams, Nathan McRae, Bradley Brereton and Blake Whykes. Ben Woodward and Blake Whykes kicked three goals each, while Hayden Weir, Travis Nash and Kabi Caldwell added two apiece.

Yarram Goals: Kiefer Sutherland 4, Kayleb Pearce 2, Tyler Chisholm 1, Wellesley Jenkins 1.

Yarram Best: Kiefer Sutherland, Daniel Vardy, Lochie Roberts, Tyler Chisholm, Thomas Mattern, Griffin Underwood.

Churchill Goals: Ben Woodward 3, Blake Whykes 3, Hayden Weir 2, Travis Nash 2, Kabi Caldwell 2, Christopher Williams 1, Jordan Answerth 1, Joseph Whykes 1, Bradley Brereton 1, Bailey Flanigan 1.

Churchill Best: Christopher Williams, Travis Nash, Jye Williams, Nathan McRae, Bradley Brereton, Blake Whykes.

Reserves

Yarram 4. 1  25   Churchill 22.16  148

Yarram Best:   William Cook, Lachlan Ellis, Lochlan Wells, Jack Collins, Raymond Garro, Cohen Farley

Thirds

Yarram  2.6  18   Churchill 27.17  179

Yarram best   Angus Brunton, Cohen Farley, Koupah Guenther, William Cook, Lachlan Ellis, Samuel Clarke