Coffs Swans 17.13-115 def. North Coffs 12.7-79
Sawtell
Goal Kickers: F. Duryea 6, D. Colman 2, J. Burow 2, P. Chadwick 2, T. Snow 2, S. Morgan, S. Adams, E. duryea
Best Players: D Box, T Snow, F Duryea, S McGrath, D Colman, B Ford
North Coffs
Goal Kickers: J. Coad 4, D. Funston 3, G. Connolly 2, J. O''Connor, D. Butler , T. Cook
Best Players: D Funston, J Coad, J Drum, A Delves, G Connolly, D Butler
Umpires: M Turner, Wood, Supple
The Coffs Swans, aided by a seven goal second quarter, defeated a competitive North Coffs line-up in front of a parochial crowd at the Coffs Coast Leisure Park.
The Kangaroos, missing two of their best players, in Sam Dawes and Brad Giri, were well-served by Darren Funston and Josh Drum but were unable to stop the run provided by the Swans in what was otherwise a physical encounter.
Fraser Duryea marked his return to the local competition, overshadowing his brother, Evan, to dominate up forward with a six goal display. He received quality supply from the likes of Dave Colman and Dave Box, who found form in the cross-town clash.
The Swans again benefitted from Tristan Snow's experience and ball-winning ability in the centre, with the wily veteran also able to post two goals on the scoresheet.
Graeme Connolly was prominent across the ground but missed the clearance ability that the 'Roos needed to break the game open in an even encounter.
Sawtell/Toormina 28.22-190 def. Nambucca Valley 4.5-29
Sawtell/Toormina
Goal Kickers: B. Hooke 11, D. Pritchard 2, M. Couzens 2, S. Prior 2, D. Matthews 2, T. Matthews 2, B. Sachdev 2, D. Meyers, D. Beveridge, M. Boogaard, G. Johnson, J. Edwards
Best Players: B Hooke, T Matthews, J Edwards, C Tune, M Couzens, D Matthews
Nambucca Valley
Goal Kickers: D. Whitehead, J. Angel, R. McGrath, H. Addison
Best Players: L Benson, R Copeland, P. Dowdle, E. Linares
Umpires: L Turner, G Maasaad
Sawtell were tested but inevitably had too much class for the Lions in their clash at Richardson Park.
Ben Hooke was dynamic in the forwardline kicking another 11 goal haul, as big men, Courtney Tune and Josh Edwards controlled the hit-outs and plenty of the ball throughout the middle of the ground.
Todd Matthews continued his career-best form with a strong performance in the midfield well beyond his years. Luke Benson was clearly the best for the Lions, battling hard all day, epitomising the spirit the Lions showed throughout the contest.
Despite Nambucca's efforts, the Saints built on their lead at every change to consolidate their current standing as the best team in the competition.
Port Macquarie 17.7-109 def. Grafton 8.9-57
Port Macquarie
Goal Kickers: M Newton 5, M Lill 2, S Skreja 2, J Schmidt 2, C Miechel 2, S Gluyas 2, S Abercrombie, D Blysma
Best Players: M Newton, J Brian, M Lill, S Skreja
Grafton
Goal Kickers: S Purton 5, D Beaver, G Blackwell, S Morrison
Best Players: S Onus, S Purton, D Beaver
Umpires: S Staniforth, K Berrigan
Port Macquarie got their season back on track with a solid defeat of Grafton. Matthew Newton again starred for the Magpies, as he was ably supported by Jarrod Brian and Matthew Lill in the centre of the ground. Shannon Skreja produced another honest and mature display that now makes it hard for Grafton to find their way into the top four.
The Tigers were unable to back up after their strong win against Nambucca Valley despite a strong performance till half time. Sean Purton matched Newton's efforts up forward with five goals but again didn't get enough support from those around him.
Scott Onus tried manfully across the ground to nullify Port's influence, but eventually the southerners' class proved decisive at the end of the match.
- View Round 8's Team of the Week to see a couple of new faces in this week's dream team
Last Modified on 26/05/2008 23:16