Overcast and balmy conditions greeted the players at the Harvest Home Recreation Reserve, with a northerly gale meaning when the ball was released into the air it would certainly head straight for the city end.

The first half saw Northern Allstars attack relentlessly on goal, with a defiant Ben Lewin played like he was in a pinball machine all day.

Forward attacks were coming from left and right and close range.

The end result after playing into the wind was Allstars one goal ahead and Lighting making the combination play from the back to have some near misses on goal and well-saved goalkeeping.

At half time Loddon Mallee trailed the Allstars one-nil.

Despite being without the wind for the second half, the Lightning did not lose focus.

Within minutes the team had drawn level with the Allstars as Steve Robinson slotted the ball home from range with poise.

A frenzy of attack from the Allstars did see them eventually score from an outstanding shot on goal.

But not to be outdone, the Lightning players moved the play from defence into attack.

They demonstrated speed and endurance as the Allstars seemed to be chasing shadows.

Joe Williams gave an example of 80 metres of hard work, then with individual brilliance moved through the Allstars defence to make a raid on goal.

Within range of the six-yard box he deftly passed the ball below the outstretched keeper.

Lightning players continued to work hard into the gale but the referee blew full time with the final score being a two-all draw.

The standout player for the day was Sam Scoble as nominated by the Allstars coaching team.Next week Loddon Mallee Lightning takes on Central City at the State Football Centre in Darebin.

The previous encounter with Central City was at the Mildura Gala in round eight.

The result was a turning point for Loddon Mallee, who have not lost a game since this encounter.

Central City is one point clear of Loddon Mallee FC in eighth on the VCL Ladder.

This article appeared in Thursday’s Sunraysia Daily 10/02/2012.