AFL North Coast cross conference action was at Fitzroy Oval on Saturday with the Coffs Harbour Breakers hosting the Byron Bay Magpies. This much anticipated clash managed to live up to the pre game hype even though both teams were missing a number of their best players.
The Magpies started very well creating plenty of scoring opportunities in the first quarter but they struggled to convert their chances. The visitors kicked 4 goals 7 behinds to lead by 24 points at the first break
Whatever playing coach Nic Von Schill said at quarter time had immediate impact with he and his charges lifting in the second quarter. Their run through the mid field lead by Kieren Bellemore was fantastic whilst Eli Gray contested well in the ruck. The Breakers capitalised on their increased effort to kick four goals and draw within 9 points of the Magpies at the main break.
Kicking with the slight breeze and using the ball much better in the third quarter the Magpies again drew away from their less experienced opposition. Will McBride had a purple patch kicking 4 goals in the quarter whilst Sam Mitchell Sam taking great marks and delivering the ball lace out to him from the mid field.
In the final quarter the Breakers battled on and were well served by Sam Oliver and Aaron Crolla. Brett Vella finished off another great game for the home team kicking 3 great long range running goals in the last quarter. They out scored the Magpies in the final term and were gallant in the 39 point defeat.
Byron Bay Magpies 14.17.101 defeated Coffs Harbour Breakers 10.2.62
Earlier in the day the Port Macquarie Magpies played their cross conference game versus the Lismore Swans. Port Macquarie had a terrific start to the year but their form had dropped off in recent weeks so they were hoping that the game versus the struggling Swans would enable them get back into the winners circle.
The Magpies started well but didn't kick particularly well in front of goal but still managed to lead by 14 points at the first break.
The Lismore side used the breeze beautifully in the second quarter and capitalised kicking 5 goals straight to lead by 8 points at the half.
In the second half Port Macquarie flexed their muscles and found a bit of the form they showed in the early rounds this year. They were well served by Riley Irwin and Luke Long thought the middle, whilst Dylan Marchingo and Angus Scott were good contributors up forward. As always Jessie Schmidt was classy with the ball and also contributed 3 goals.
Port Macquarie Magpies 12.13.85 defeated Lismore Suns 9.7.61
The other two cross conference games were played way up in Northern NSW at Barry Sheppard Oval, Round Mountain. The highlight at the venue was always going to be the game between the reigning premiers from each league, the Sawtell/Toormina Saints and the Tweed Coast Tigers.
Neither team has been in sparkling form so far this year so a close encounter was expected and the result did not disappoint. With less than 2 goals in the game at any stage the Saints manage to claw their way to a 3 victory on the trot by just 5 points. President Alex Pearson was wrapped with the result "particularly given the length of the trip and that they went North a little under manned".
Sawtell/Toormina were led well as always by Luke Matthews whilst Lauchie Christopher was the Saints best on the day. Daniel Johnson also found some of his previous years form to be a great contributor.
Sawtell/Toormina Saints 9.9.63 defeated Tweed Coast Tigers 8.10.58
The Grafton Tigers challenging season continued with another big loss to the Ballina Bombers at Barry Sheppard Oval. The Tigers tried hard all day but once again were under manned against the Ballina Bombers who sit second on their table in the Northern Rivers competition.
Ballina Bombers 23.27.165 defeated Grafton Tigers 1.3.9
This second exciting round of cross conference games has had some interesting effect to the AFL North Coast ladder. The Port Macquarie Magpies have gone a game clear on top, with the Coffs Harbour Breakers in second position. With the Sawtell/Toormina Saints getting a win they move closer to the leaders now sitting just one game behind the Breakers.
Last Modified on 22/05/2016 16:23