Southern Football League - round two

SFL reports - round two
By Gary Williamson

New Norfolk v Dodges Ferry
NEW Norfolk bounced back after last week's loss to Kingborough by defeating a gallant Dodges Ferry at home by 39 points, kicking 19.12 (126) to 12.8 (80). The Eagles had the better of the first term but knew they would be in for a real fight as they edged to an 11 point lead. Nothing really separated the sides in a fast paced first term.

New Norfolk really applied the pressure in the second term and the Sharks could not respond as the home side piled on six goals and moved to a very handy 28 point lead at the main break. Dodges Ferry was not going to give up and outplayed their more fancied rival in the third term and reduced the gap to 17 points and an upset loomed.

As good sides always do, the Eagles responded magnificently with seven last-term goals to blow the game away and again showed why they are very dangerous whilst the visitors would be disappointed in their finish as they again failed under extreme pressure, which is a worry for new coach Miller.

Best players for the Eagles were Horne, Clifford, Wardlaw and Joseph whilst Thompson bounced back to form with four goals. Best for the Sharks were Tennick, Millers, and Martin with five goals along with Cusick.

Huonville v Central Hawks
HUONVILLE recorded its first win of the season at home by easily defeating a disappointing Central Hawks by 50 points, kicking 16.8 (104) to 6.18 (54). Huonville blew away their opposition in the first term as they came out full of running and slammed on seven goals to race away to a 35 point lead at quarter time. A big margin looked on the cards as the Hawks were struggling badly.

The second term saw the Hawks start to match their opponents as they slowed up the game but struggled up forward as the Lions increased their lead to 45 points. The second half was a scrappy affair as the Hawks surprisingly played the better football but kicked poorly for goal in an improved performance whilst the Lions would be disappointed after stopping badly after quarter time.

Best players for the Lions were plenty with Conlan outstanding all day, Sullivan up forward with six goals along with Crouch and Causon. Better players for the Hawks were Ladic, McWillams and Brown as they remain without a win this season.

Lindisfarne v Brighton
LINDISFARNE continued its good form from last week when they returned to their home ground and defeated a very talented Brighton by 41 points with inaccurate kicking of 17.16 (118) to 12.5 (77). The first term was a real beauty with both sides playing attacking football. With fierce tackling and hard running the Blues started slightly better and edged out a seven-point lead in a tight contest.

The second term saw the Blues really pile on the pressure and the Robins could not respond, struggling up forward as they trailled by 21 points at the main break and needing to lift in the second half. Lindisfarne answered every challenge and should have won by a lot more but for inaccurate kicking for the second week in a row.

Best for the winners was young Hobden who capped off a great game with four goals, well supported by Braslin, Mills and Phillips with key forward Marriott kicking three goals. Brighton was best served by Willing, Howlett, Salter whilst Martin kicked four goals in a lone hand up forward.

East Coast Bombers v Claremont
CLAREMONT continued its good start to the season with a gutsy win away from home over an improved East Coast Bombers, 14.9 (93) to 12.8 (80).

Sorell v Kingborough
KINGBOROUG remain undefeated with a unexpected hard-fought win away from home over an improved Sorell by 62 points, 18.9 (117) to 8.7 (55).