Goal Kickers: S. DAWES 4, D. Funston 2, J. O'Connor 2, A. Pitzen, T. Merrick, T. Freebody
Best Players: S. Dawes, D. Funston, B. Giri, T. Merrick, J. Drum, M. Gleeson, J. O'Connor
Coffs Swans
Goal Kickers: E. Duryea 3, D. Bear, S. Adams, F. Duryea, T. Snow
Best Players: W. Hickey, P. Chadwick, R. Eddy, E. Duryea, S. Adams
North Coffs enjoyed their best performance of the 2008 season with a dominant win over the Coffs Swans at Fitzroy Oval. Sam Dawes was outstanding for the Kangaroos, prominent in both attack and defence, with his contested marking propelling the away side to a morale-boosting victory.
Brad Giri, in his 100th game and only his second for the season enabled the 'Roos to gain authority in the centre clearances and they dominated the middle corridor as a result. Josh Drum also led from the front, and along with Jordan O'Connor who was a target up forward, will be crucial in their final aspirations.
The Swans slipped to their second straight loss and didn't have a major standout as the Kangaroos were able to effectively apply pressure. Wade Hickey kept the Swans in the contest in the first half at full back, whilst Peter Chadwick tried hard but couldn't help his Swans over the line despite coming at North Coffs in the last quarter.
Darren Funston was the only negative for North Coffs with a shoulder injury leaving him in some doubt for next week but victory was sweet against their traditional arch-rivals.
Sawtell/Toormina 23.21-159 def. Nambucca Valley 7.4-46
Nambucca Valley
Goal Kickers: R. McGrath 2, G. Upton, Z. Maitland, H. Addison, S. Moorcroft, L. Benson
Best Players: G. Upton, M. Schmidt, T. Baade, J. Angel, R. Copeland, B. Toohey
Sawtell/Toormina
Goal Kickers: B. Hooke 11, D. Meyers 2, C. Thwaite, L. Draper-Bell, M. Couzens, M. Elliott, P. Myles, S. Matthews, T. Chuhaj, T. Matthews, E. Brogmus, O. Shannon
Best Players: T. Matthews, T. Chuhaj, C. Tune, M. Elliott, B. Hooke, L. Draper-Bell
Sawtell continued on their merry way with a 113 point win against Nambucca Valley.
Todd Matthews was again prominent as he gave great supply to Ben Hooke who returned to the goal kicking sheet, but enjoyed a great duel against Luke Benson. Courtney Tune returned for the clash and his presence was felt as he dominated the hit-outs.
A nine goal second quarter gave the Saints authority over the contest and they were able to stave off the brave efforts of the Lions, who were led well by Gavin Upton and Monty Schmidt. Trent Baade also made a return for the Lions and helped to create contests over the ground.
It was a good hit-out for the Saints who face a top-of-the-table clash next week at home against the Magpies.
Port Macquarie 30.21-201 def. Grafton 2.1-13
Port Macquarie totally outclassed Grafton at home, on the back of a 19 goal haul by Jacob Hart.
Birthday boy, Jesse Schmidt, also had plenty to celebrate after the game, as he was arguably the Magpie's best afield in a strong attacking display. Owen Kozminski backed up from the Reserves and helped Port contribute at a steady rate to the scoreboard.
Matthew Newton and Matthew Lill also aided the supply and were targets themselves up forward as Port continued to build their form heading into the finals. Graeme Blackwell battled hard for the Tigers but inevitably the Magpies had too much class and strength in numbers for Grafton to handle.