Michael Thompson |
By Gary Williamson
New Norfolk v Cygnet
THE in form New Norfolk continued their domination with another powerful display as they easily defeated an undermanned Cygnet by 92 points at Boyer Oval last weekend. The scores were 24.12 (156) to 9.10 (64). The first term saw the visitors surprise their more fancied rivals as they matched them around the ground and grabbed a surprising two point lead and look confident going into quarter time. The Eagles really upped the pressure in the second term and the Port could not match their intensity and strength up forward. The home team piled on nine goals and raced away to a 36-point lead but the Port still managed three goals and were not out of the contest at this stage.
The second half saw New Norfolk really tighten up their defence to hold the Port to only three goals and power away to another convincing victory at home to remain in second spot on the ladder. Best players for New Norfolk was Thompson who finished a fine game with six goals. He received good support from Triffitt, Wardlaw and Barwick whilst Heron chipped in with four valuable goals. Watson, Cane and Ford were Cygnet's best as they now drop out of the top six.
Kingborough v Central Hawks
KINGBOROUGH started to get their season back on track when they easily defeated a disappointing Central Hawks by 108 points, 25.10 (160) to 8.4 (52) at home at Kingston. The first term was played at a really quick speed and the game really opened up. Whilst Kingborough led by seven points the Hawks really surprised them with their ball movement and kicked four valuable goals. The Tigers tightened up their defence and started to take control of the midfield and kicked six goals as they moved to a very handy 34 point lead at the main break and had the game in control.
The second half was all the home side's as they piled on 14 goals to two and raced away to a percentage boosting victory and got some of their key players back in top form. The Central Hawks struggled to play four consistent quarters. Better players for the struggling Hawks were Ladic, Daly, Murphy and Horne as they still remain without a win so far this season.
Dodges Ferry v Brighton
IN the game of the round nothing could separate these two very good sides at the final siren. Dodges Ferry controlled the game for most of the day but inaccurate kicking for goal cost them four points and they drew the game 8.31 (79) to 12.7 (79). The first term saw the teams evenly matched with neither side getting any early breaks. The Sharks battled hard in the windy conditions but Brighton started better and edged to a six point lead at quarter time. The second term saw the Sharks start to win the clearances and dominate around the ground. Two gaols and 12 behinds wasted easy scoring opportunities and Dodges trailed by a point at the main break.
The third term saw the inaccuracy continue but the home side was still able to grab a 12-point lead and looked likely to run away with the game. An accurate Brighton had other ideas and kicked five goals in the last term to snatch a thrilling draw against a disappointing and wasteful Dodges Ferry. Better players for the lucky Brighton were Salter with four goals, Williams, Howlett and Wall as they move a game clear of Dodges Ferry.
Sorell v Claremont
CLAREMONT bounced back to form and moved up to fourth on the ladder when they held off a determined Sorell and won by 10 points, kicking 9.10 (64) to 7.12 (54). The Magpies kicked with the breeze in the first term and were well held by the home side as they managed to lead by seven points at the first change but needed more goals with the breeze getting stronger. The second term saw Sorell force the ball forward but they missed easy shots at goal and just bombed the ball long. With Claremont having a loose man across half back they managed to hold onto a two-point lead in a game which was very evenly matched.
Claremont opened the scoring quickly in the third term and looked likely to skip away but Sorell really started to run the ball and they only trailed by 10 points and with the breeze at their backs they looked capable of taking the points. The last term was a beauty but when Sorell threatened, the Magpies had all the answers with some steadying goals. They went on to record a hard earned victory which was especially satisfying away from home.
Lindisfarne v East Coast Bombers
LINDISFARNE kept its unbeaten run intact when it defeated a gallant East Coast by 38 points despite wasteful kicking for goal. Lindisfarne kicked 14.21 (105) to 11.1 (67) while the visitors kept their hopes alive with straight kicking for goal.