Saints recover well
Sawtell/Toormina 1.3 7.7 12.9 19.11 (125)
def.
Port Macquarie 3.3 4.5 7.6 11.5 (71)
Sawtell/Toormina
Goal Kickers: B. Hooke 7, B. Matthews 3, T. Matthews 2, E. Brogmus 2, J. Hardy, T. Britnell, L. Draper-Bell, D. Pritchard, T. Petrie
Best Players: L. Matthews, J. Gillingham, T. Matthews, M. Couzens, T. Britnell, E. Kelly
Port Macquarie
Goal Kickers: J. Schmidt 8, B. Tritton, M. Harvey
Best Players: M. Harvey, J. Schmidt, M. Lill, M. Long, C. Miechel
The defending premiers rallied well after a difficult first round loss with a strong win over Port Macquarie at the Coffs Coast Leisure Park.
An eight goal performance from Jesse Schmidt was all to no avail as Ben Hooke begun to hit his straps in front of goal in a more even contribution from the Saints.
The first quarter belonged to Port in a tight struggle but it was after this time where the Saints started to gain ascendancy through the efforts of the Matthews brothers in the centre. Luke continued his strong return to the AFL North Coast competition, with young gun, Jack Gillingham also impressive.
Mark Harvey battled valiantly in the ruck for the Magpies and was his sides best in the middle of the field along with Matthew Lill and Matthew Long.
A seven goal final quarter was a sweet end for the Saints in a confidence-boosting win.
North Coffs 7.3 10.4 15.10 22.15 (147)
def.
Grafton 3.4 5.6 9.7 11.12 (78)
Grafton
Goal Kickers: L. Hayman 3, G. Blackwell 3, D. Beaver 2, Z. Edwards 2, H. O'Toole
Best Players: W. Darby, D. Beaver, L. Hayman, B. Kurtzman, K. Thompson, T. Whalan
North Coffs
Goal Kickers: T. Cook 4, M. Crispe 4, T. Freebody 3, M. Quinlan 3, S. Dawes 2, B. Giri, R. Wood, D. Funston, T. Heather, J. Wylie, M. Kerr
Best Players: T. Wollaston, M. Kerr, S. Dawes, M. Quinlan, D. Funston, J. Drum
At Ellem Oval, North Coffs continued their strong start to the season with a start-to-finish win over the upcoming Tigers.
In an entertaining clash, the swift ball movement from the Kangaroos proving superior over the four quarters.
Recruit, Tully Wollaston was prominent across half-back and well-supported by the run of Michael Kerr.
William Darby was strong across half-back with the youth of Dale Beaver and Luke Hayman, in particular, standing up for the Grafton outfit.
Trent Cook and Matthew Crispe led an even goalkicking display that would have pleased the coach, Danny McFadden.
Coffs Swans 4.3 8.6 12.9 18.11 (119)
def.
Nambucca Valley 1.1 2.3 4.5 6.7 (43)
Coffs Swans
Goal Kickers: Not available
Best Players: R. Eddy, B. Willoughby, D. Box, B. Ford, S. Turner, E. Duryea
North Coffs
Goal Kickers: Not available
Best Players: J. Angel, M. Schmidt, L. Benson, M. Townsend, R. Mcgrath
It was a similar story at Macksville Park with the Swans holding control in a competitive contest against the Lions.
In a tight first-half, the Swans ability to rebound off half-back through Rob Eddy and Dave Box helped them gain a comfortable first half lead.
Jim Angel tried to hold his sides defence as Monty Schmidt found hard in the clinches for Nambucca Valley.
Bryce Willoughby was strong for the Swans in the ruck, as Evan Duryea formed a strong combination with midfielders Blake Ford and Sam Turner, as the Swans kicked away to their second straight win.
Last Modified on 02/05/2009 21:34