Sawtell/Toormina 21.19-145 def. Port Macquarie 9.6-60
Sawtell/Toormina
Goal Kickers: B. Hooke 4, J. Hardy 3, L. Draper-Bell 3, D. Bienefelt 2, L. Cohen 2, M. Couzens, M. Elliott, S. Matthews, B. Matthews, D. Matthews, T. Matthews, T. McCormick
Best Players: T. Matthews, M. Couzens, L. Cohen, D. Pritchard, L. Van Bussel, S. Matthews, J. Hardy
Port Macquarie
Goal Kickers: M. Newton 6, D. Bylsma, D. Nankivell, J. Schmidt
Best Players: D. Bylsma, M. Newton, M. Long, D. Humphries, M. Stakehulm, D. Nankivell
Sawtell continued their run towards the finals with a resounding 85 point win over the reigning premiers, Port Macquarie.
After a tight first quarter, Sawtell broke the game open with a six goal second quarter to carry a good lead into half-time. Mark Couzens and Todd Matthews again were instrumental to the Saints dominance in the midfield, with Port having no answers as they ran away with the match in the second half.
Most pleasing for the Saints leadership group would be the even contribution on the goal kicking sheet. Ben Hooke stood up with four goals, but was well supported by dynamic forward line players in Jai Hardy, Les Cohen and Lachlan Draper-Bell.
Port were ably led by captain-coach, Matthew Newton who booted six in a one-man show up forward. Dan Blysma and Matthew Long battled manfully but couldn't reduce the impact of the Saints on-ballers who again showed their ability to perform in big matches.
North Coffs 17.18-120 def. Grafton 8.2-50
North Coffs
Goal Kickers: S. Dawes 5, J. Coad 3, T. Cook 3, J. O'Connor 2, A. Delves, J. Drum, T. Merrick, T. Freebody
Best Players: S. Dawes, J. Drum, B. Giri, B. Reeves, J. O'Connor, T. Merrick, G. Connolly
Grafton
Goal Kickers: S. Purton 5, S. Morrison, A. Partridge, A. Batty
Best Players: D. Zacek, Z. Edwards, J. Darby, R. Sheather, S. Purton, L. Chard
The Kangaroos, in the absence of Darren Funston, won well against a competitive Grafton outfit.
The final score probably flattered North Coffs, with Grafton in the contest till three-quarter time, but faded as the fitness of the 'Roos midfield division shone through.
Sam Dawes enjoyed another fine performance and could've kicked a plethora of goals except for some inaccuracy on set shots. He was prominent across half-forward and again set up a lot of the forward thrust on the small Ellem Oval surrounds. Brad Giri got better as the game went on, whilst Josh Drum and Brad Reeves also won a lot of the contested ball.
Grafton were well-served by Daniel Zacek who popped up all over the ground. Zac Edwards enjoyed an absorbing ruck duel with Graeme Connolly, whilst Sean Purton made the most of limited opportunities up forward.
A seven goal second-quarter made a win improbable for the Tigers against a 'Roos outfit building momentum for another tilt at the finals.
Coffs Swans 21.11-137 def. Nambucca Valley 0.8-8
Coffs Swans
Goal Kickers: D. Box 4, J. Burow 3, S. Turner 3, M. Attwood 2, S. Adams 2, A. Waterfall 2, E. Duryea 2, D. Colman, H. Pearce, Z. Bullivant
Best Players: D. Colman, R. Eddy, W. Hickey, H. Pearce, D. Box, N. Scroope
Nambucca Valley
Goal Kickers: Nil
Best Players: J. Angel, M. Schmidt, L. Benson, R. McGrath, T. Holden, B. Toohey
The Coffs Swans got their season back on track and returned to second place on the ladder with an emphatic win over the Nambucca Valley Lions at Macksville Park.
The Swans didn't concede a goal, partly due to the inaccuracy of the Lions, and again shared the goals in a smaller forward line. Dave Box booted four to continue his strong season, whilst 16 year old debutant, Sam Turner, along with fellow youngster, Jarrod Burow kicked three goals each.
Dave Colman returned from injury to give a spark to the midfield and got plenty of the ball as well as Rob Eddy, who both supplied well to their forwards. Wade Hickey also continued his rise in his second game this season, in a team performance that covered the absence of Tristan Snow and Peter Chadwick who both rested niggling injuries.
Jimmy Angel and Monty Schmidt again tried hard in the midfield for the Lions but couldn't make a lasting impact against the classy Swans who would gain confidence from the big win.
Last Modified on 13/07/2008 12:47