New Norfolk still the team to beat

SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
ROUND 5 RESULTS

By Gary Williamson

IN the game of the round, second-placed New Norfolk once again showed they are still the side to beat in the SFL. The Eagles eventually defeated a gallant Lindisfarne by 23 points in a high class affair, but their last-term fade-out will have disappointed coach Jon Murray and this is something the Eagles need to work on in coming weeks.

The Two Blues were determined to make a statement in the first term and really matched their more fancied rivals in a high class and very rugged affair.  The Blues played a really defensive style of game and frustrated their opponents as they pushed the ball forward, quickly enabling them to grab a five point lead.

New Norfolk really showed its strength and class in the second term and whilst they only kicked four goals for the quarter they held the home side to only four points and they grabbed a handy 18-point lead in a low scoring affair. Once again when the game was in the balance the New Norfolk side rose to the occasion, kicking a further four goals to one in the third term to grab a match winning 39-lead at the last change.

The last term saw the Two Blues refuse to give up the chase and they certainly let the shackles go and played a more attacking style of football and this worked in the favour as they finished powerfully with seven goals to four, which will give great confidence to coach Goodwin that his team can match it with the best sides. They just need to be more consistent for four quarters.

Best players for the Eagles were Hall, Booth, Horne and Wilson with three goals whilst Gardam continued his consistent form with four goals.  Best players for the Two Blues were Edmondson, Ford, Mitchell and Hutchinson as they continue to improve and remain fifth position on the ladder.

New Norfolk 3.3 (21)  7.6 (48)  11.12 (78)  15.15 (105)
Lindisfarne 4.2 (26)  4.6 (30)  5.9 (39)  12.10 (82)
Best - New Norfolk: S. Hall, B. Booth, C. Wilson, M. Horne, J. Banks-Smith, J. County; Lindisfarne: R. Edmondson, J. Ford, J. Mitchell, M. Hutchinson, D. Clark, M. Phillips.
Goals - New Norfolk: Z. Gardam 4, C. Wilson 3, J. Hall 2, J. Banks-Smith 2, S. Hall 2, M. Thompson, A. Tonks; Lindisfarne: M. McCulloch 4, D. Clark 3, J. Jenkins, K. Miller, S. Hobden, R. Edmondson, T. Bracken.

RESERVES
New Norfolk 1.2-8 4.3-27 6.6-42 7.7-49
Lindisfarne 2.1-13 3.2-20 3.4-22 6.6-42
Best - New Norfolk: J. Daley, J. Murray, J. Kelly, K. Cashion, J. Bomford, D. Walsh; Lindisfarne: S. Probert, M. Febey, M. Spong, J. Watson, D. Crawford, J. Lovell.
Goals - New Norfolk: K. Cashion 3, B. Ransley, L. Browning, H. Bielleman, J. Murray; Lindisfarne: D. Crawford 2, A. Hutchinson, S. Bester, J. Foster, M. Ford.

COLTS
New Norfolk defeated Lindisfarne by forfeit.

Other games (seniors)

Brighton 12.18 (90) defeated Sorell 7.10 (52)
BRIGHTON recorded its first win of the season when it defeated an undermanned Sorell, eventually running out winners by 38 points in an impressive performance.

Dodges Ferry 12.10 (82) defeated East Coast 10.15 (75)
DODGES Ferry defeated the highly-rated East Coast Bombers and moved up to fourth on the ladder in a low scoring and physical game of football.

Huonville 14.20 (104) defeated Hobart 9.12 (66)
HUONVILLE relished being back on their home soil with a chance to win their first game this season and after a sluggish start they powered home to defeat a disappointing Hobart by 38 points.

Claremont 25.12 (162) defeated Cygnet 8.8 (56)
CLAREMONT continued its unbeaten run and the long road trip down to Cygnet did  not bother them as they thrashed a disappointing Cygnet by 106 points in a dominant display. The Port remain on the bottom of the ladder and the only side not to have won a game so far this season.