Port Macquarie 4.2.26 7.4.46 10.11.71 14.16 (100)
Coffs Swans 3.1.19 5.6.36 7.7.49 8.9 (57)
Goalkickers PORT: Jacob Hart 4, Jesse Schmidt 3, Matthew Hensley 2, Dean Nankervill 2, Matt Gallagher, Scott Payne, Matthew Lill
SWANS: Shane Adams 2, Tristan Snow 2, Scott Morgan, Rob Eddy, Nick Millard, Blake Ford
Best PORT: Jacob Hart, Matthew Newton, Dean Nankervill, Matthew Lill
SWANS: Peter Chadwick, Rob Eddy, Tristan Snow
Umpires: S Staniforth, B Supple, K Berrigan
Port Macquarie led at every change to defeat a spirited Swans outfit at Stuart Park, to maintain a formidable record at home. Jacob Hart was instrumental in the forward line for the Magpies in a hard-fought contest with his ability to kick goals along with young stars, Jesse Schmidt and Matt Hensley.
The Swans were once again admirably led by captain-coach Peter Chadwick, but again their inability to convert and create opportunities up forward stifling their chances to challenge the defending premiers. The Swans were also frustrated by their ill-disclipine which led to several goals resulting from free kicks for the Magpies.
Port, who deservedly hold premiership-favouritism tags this season, were damaging in attack and with the rebounding skills of Matthew Newton and Dean Nankervill, constantly put the Swans under pressure.
The signs for the Swans look good with new recruits, Shane Adams and Rob Eddy having notable impacts, whilst the young brigade of Nick Millard and Blake Ford getting their names on the scoresheet. But it was the Magpies who were too clinical and too experienced for the Swans who are still trying to establish some chemistry and cohesion amongst their lineup.
Reserves and Under 18s scores not yet entered
North Coffs 8.2.50 11.6.72 17.10.112 23.12 (150)
Nambucca Valley 1.0.6 4.1.25 7.1.43 9.2 (56)
Goalkickers NORTHS: Sam Dawes 7, Darren Funston 6, Tyler Ryan 3, Jamie Coad 3, Matthew Crispe, Tom Merrick, Josh Drum, G G-Smith
LIONS: Ray McGrath 7, Michael Townsend, Troy Stacey
Best NORTHS: Sam Dawes, Darren Funston, Jamie Coad, Josh Drum, Alex Delves, Luke Valdes
LIONS: Ray McGrath, Michael Townsend, Justin Saker, Blake Toohey, Tom McGrath, Luke Benson
Umpires: M Turner, R Macpherson, D Thomas
The word after this game is watch out for Sam Dawes. The ex-Victorian league footballer was instrumental in the Kangaroos' destruction of Nambucca Valley at Macksville Park. Despite the accurate kicking of Ray McGrath for the Lions, Dawes and 'Freddy' Funston dominated in a dynamic 'Roos forward line to win by a comfortable margin after a strong first quarter.
The Lions were competitive but it was the class of the likes of Josh Drum and Alex Delves that produced quality delivery to an experienced forward line. Inevitably, the home side was unable to cope, although, they will be heartened by the next generation that includes Justin Saker and Blake Toohey as tall, running players.
The 'Roos looked sharp and will prove a thorn for the more distinguished sides in the competition this season.
Reserves: Lions: 3.3 6.7 10.8 12.11 (83)
Norths: 2.1 3.2 4.3 5.4 (34)
Lions Goal Kickers: James Boatfield 4, Greg Boatfield 3, Darren White Head, Kane Benson, Josh Wallace, Justin Saker, Zac Maitland
North Goals: D Hyde, 3, J Squires, C Walsh
Sawtell 39.18 (252)
Grafton 1.1 (7)
Goalkickers SAWTELL: Ben Hooke 10, Daniel Johnson 6, Tristan McCormack 5, Mark Couzens 3, Scott Matthews 3, Todd Matthews 3, Dean Mathews 2, Daniel Pritchard 2, Sam Johnston, Josh Edwards, Brendan Sachdev, Matthew Elliott, Stephen Lott
GRAFTON: Graham Blackwell
Best SAWTELL: Ben Hooke, Mark Couzens, Todd Matthews, Daniel Johnson, Matthew Elliott, Daniel Pritchard
GRAFTON: Dan Gordon, Justin Darby
Umpires: L Turner, G Maasaad
It was a smash-up derby at Richardson Park as the Saints went about demolishing an out-of-depth Grafton line-up. Grafton were abysmal giving Sawtell ample opportunities to take advantage of the their poor disposal skills.
Ben Hooke got better as the game went on and belied his tattooed-exterior to burst through packs and show a great skill-set to set up and score goals at will. Young guns, Todd Matthews and Tristan McCormack were untouchable up the ground, whilst Mark Couzens and Daniel Johnson used the training run to gain form after a limited pre-season.
Missing Courtney Tune, Josh Edwards found a contest in the ruck, but the onballers were able to body and position out their Grafton opponents who were admittedly without their four or five best players.
The season looks bleak already for the Tigers whilst the Saints will find the going tougher in their up-coming matches but look good already with their ability to show depth in a variety of key positions.
Reserves
Sawtell 8.9.57 def Grafton 4.3.27
Goals: Sawtell Damon Bienefelt 2, Kyah Schwartz 2, Scott Lane, Steve Jackson, Scott Prior, Nathan Baldwin
Grafton Ryan Sheather 3, Warren Bagnall
Best Players: Sawtell Damon Bienefelt, Scott Prior, Matt O'Garey, Kyah Schwartz, Mark Davis, Jarrod Wallace
Grafton Bryce Hayes, Warren Bagnall, Neil Gorring, Ryan Sheather, Daniel Gordon, James Hourigan
Last Modified on 07/04/2008 10:55