Bulls belted by Kangas on dirty day

Mt Barker are counting the costs of a heavy defeat by defending premiers North Albany on Sunday afternoon after star duo Kym Monteath and Adam Tissott went down with hamstring injuries in the 99-point shellacking at Collingwood Park.

Already without key trio Nic Chidgzey, Peter Taylor and Sam Lehmann, the Bulls were outworked in the opening half before losing Monteath, the competition’s leading goal kicker, and then defender Tissott to the same injury.

The major blows came either side of half-time, leaving the Kangas in full control as they cruised to victory, 20.14 (134) to 4.11 (35).

The result also has major ramifications for the top two, with the Kangas now a game ahead of the Bulls in second place and boosting their percentage significantly.

Monteath kicked the opening goal of the contest and was in an absorbing battle with Nic Barrow but failed to return after half-time, while Tissott limped off after hurting his right hamstring early in the third.

Bulls coach Brad Hook said it was a bitter blow ahead of a crucial fortnight for his side against Royals and Railways.

“I’d say they will both be a couple of weeks,” Hook said.

“Tissott looks a bit worse so he could be a few weeks.”

It was a disappointing first term for the Bulls. After kicking the first major they failed to make use of a strong wind as the Kangas kicked four goals into it to lead at quarter-time.

The home side began the second term strongly, taking full advantage of the breeze as they extended the margin beyond 30 points until Joel Gray ended a run of eight Kangas goals.

Midfielders Michael Trevenen, Matt Orzel and Jack McPhee were all vital in setting up the Kangas’ victory. Mitch Lenegan and Graham Ross were terrific in defence and Taj Williams finished with four goals.

Kangas coach Craig Dew said his side used the ball well.

“It seemed like the forward line functioned better and we were crisp with our ball movement going in today,” he said.

“The back six were really good again and we controlled the midfield.

“We ticked a lot of boxes today and can build from here but we need to put it in perspective with who they had out and the injuries.”

Tyron Miller was superb across half-back for the Bulls but Hook said his players weren’t switched on and hoped the loss snapped his side back into focus.