Diorites in massive percentage-boosting victory against Kambalda

In what shapes as a notoriously even battle for places in the Goldfields Football League’s top-four, Mines Rovers coach Marc Johnstone said he welcomed the percentage after his charges trounced Kambalda on Saturday, 35.18 (228) to 0.0 (0).

The Diorites cruised to a fifth win on the back of six-goal hauls from Brad Dick and Nick Reghenzani, among 11 goalkickers at Kambalda West Oval.

By quarter-time, Mines Rovers’ lead was 59 points and a 17-goal first half paved the way for a lead of 111 points at the main break.

Despite the one-sided nature of the clash, Johnstone said he called for his group at half-time to go for the throat.

They responded with 10 goals in the third term and eight in the last as Bevan Bennell complemented Dick and Reghenzani with five goals.

Five others — Cale Delbridge, Sam Turner, Jaron Schmidt, Darcy Stevens and Jake Douglas — each bagged three goals as the blue-and-whites matched Railways’ five wins.

“We might need that (percentage) later on, especially if Boulder and Kalgoorlie start challenging us for second spot,” Johnstone said.

“That was the message after half-time — just in case we do need it, don’t muck about, put the foot down and get the job done.

“We were very fortunate (avoiding injuries) — I brought a few boys off, including the Delbridge brothers, Jake Toa and some others for the start of the last quarter.

“I put them on ice (for this Saturday against Kalgoorlie) and let the others play.”