Maldon v Dunolly
Maldon has scored its first win of the 2014 MCDFNL season, with the Dons notching a breakthrough 27 point victory over Dunolly on Saturday.
Led by a three goal, best afield effort from midfield star Hayden Kelly, the Dons' desperation was evident as they downed the Eagles, 10.11 (71) to 6.8 (44).
After enduring 11 rounds bereft of a win, Maldon showcased it's intentions from the get-go, bursting out of the blocks with a four-goal first term to establish an 18-point buffer at the opening break.
Dunolly attempted to rally in a scrappy second term, slotting two goals to the Dons' one, but still the Bombers clung grimly to their 14-point lead at the main break. It was a similar story in the third quarter, with both teams unwilling to give an inch, and Maldon extended its lead by just one point to enter the final term 15 points ahead.
Sensing a chance to break their drought, the Dons threw everything they had at a tiring Eagles outfit, booting three goals to Dunolly's one as a jubilant Maldon side celebrated its debut win in 2014 at the final siren.
Alongside Kelly, Chris Milham, former Dunolly forward Ben Doyle and utility Joel Cross were the Bombers' best, with Michael Rorke also playing a vital hand, contributing two of Maldon's goals.
James Thomas, Lee Jackson, coach Tony Bellenger and Mick Campbell all tried hard for the Eagles, who had six different goalkickers.
Carisbrook v Avoca
A nine goal opening term set up a big win for the Redbacks against Avoca on Saturday, keeping them inside the top four.
Carisbrook kicked to the bowling green end of Carisbrook Recreation Reserve with a strong breeze behind them in the first quarter, kicking two goals inside the first two minutes of the game and were four goals to zero at the ten minute mark.
Avoca started to get into the game at this point after Brad Schiltz snapped a goal and then Mitch Kennedy goaled from a free kick that was initally awarded to Adrian Pilgrim for a head high tackle, but the Bulldogs coach was unable to take the kick as he left the field under the blood rule.
The Redbacks took full advantage of the breeze and finished the term strongly with the next five goals.
Avoca did a good job containing the Redbacks in the second term and Murray Bond was under notice for the Bulldogs and he marked from a kick out from the Carisbrook defensive goal square, and he kicked truly. Mitch Kennedy then kicked his second goal of the game from a free kick and the Bulldogs were back in the match. But the fight-back was short lived as the Redbacks had all of the answers with goals to coach Luke Treacy and spearhead Liam Cunningham to regain the upper hand to lead at half time by 46 points.
Brad Schiltz drew a free kick to kick the first goal of the second half for Avoca, but Carisbrook again made good use of the breeze in the third term with eight goals to put the game out of reach as they led by 78 points going into the final term.
To Avoca’s credit they did not lay down and outscored the Redbacks in the final term, but Carisbrook were a far superior unit and are a well drilled team that was too good for the Bulldogs, particularly around the goal mouth, with Liam Cunningham and Cole Roscholler proving difficult to stop as both small forwards kicked six goals apiece.
Avoca’s better players were Alec Wiltshire, Tom Nankivell, Mitch Kennedy and Brad Schiltz who kicked three goals.
Besides Cunningham and Roscholler, the Redbacks were well served by Steve Marr, Luke Robinson and the consistent Travis Cornwill was once again amongst their better players in their 73 point victory.
Carisbrook 20.8.128 to Avoca 9.1.55
Newstead v Maryborough Rovers
Newstead again went into their clash with Rovers without a number of key players, but it did not hamper their ability to post scoreboard pressure on the Magpies, as they kicked away to a comfortable 78 point victory.
Ethan Ford and David Wall were outstanding for the Steaders at ground level creating many scoring opportunities, which the forwards took full advantage off as they shared their goals amongst eleven different players, including Joel Pearson who finished with four goals for the victors. Pat Cummins has enjoyed the shift to the Steaders this season and was also amongst the better players.
Rovers tried hard, but were outclassed by a better opponent, but Nick Clark has been having a good season since transferring from Carisbrook this season and was once again amongst the better players for the Magpies, as was Ryan Guareschi and James Rowles, while Graeme Kennedy was the only multiple goal scorer.
Newstead 18.13.121 to Maryborough Rovers 6.7.43
Navarre v Campbells Creek
Campbells Creek obviously do not enjoy playing against Navarre, as the Grasshoppers kicked a scoreline of more than twenty five goals against the Creekers for the second time this season.
The home team led by 99 points at half time as they showed a clean pair of heels to their opponents, as they ran rampant and treated it like a training drill.
The half time break allowed Creek to regroup and regain their composure and their third quarter effort was much better and they actually outscored the reigning premier in this term, and restricted them to only one goal and two behinds for the quarter.
But the Grasshoppers showed why they are the premiership favourites in the final stanza, as they broke the shackles and finished with eighteen scoring shots to three.
Ben Scott backed up from last week’s best on ground performance with a similar effort Saturday and also kicked another five goals for the second week running. But it was Cody Driscoll who was the major goalkicker with six goals, while Daniel Parkin also finished with a four goal contribution.
Shannon Berriman, Daniel Klimeck and Shaun Boag tried hard under much pressure for Creek, but they were outclassed by a much better team effort from the Grasshoppers who eventually won by a massive 145 points.
Navarre 26.17.173 to Campbells Creek 4.4.28
Trentham v Natte Bealiba
Natte Bealiba continues to prove it will be a force to be reckoned with come finals time as the Swans notched an 84 point win over Trentham on Saturday.
Showcasing their impressive forward line power, the Swans' win was highlighted by an eight-goal haul to Matt Stagg and six majors to Zac Perez, helping Natte complete a 23.12 (150) to 10.6 (66) thumping of the Saints.
A barnstorming opening term from the Swans helped set up the victory, as Natte piled on seven first term goals against a bewildered Trentham defence. The pain continued for the Saints in the second term, with Natte's continual forward thrusts delivering another three majors, while the home side slotted just one.
The third term was another seven goal effort for the Swans, while again the Saints scrambled to try and stop Stagg, Perez and small forward Ryan Weir. A fourth quarter lapse from Natte's defence allowed to boot five final term goals, an effort which was quickly answered by Natte's forwards with six of their own as the Swans delivered a crushing win.
While it may have been the forwards doing all the damage for Natte, it was defender Dean Graco who was named the Swans' best for his continual drive from the back half, alongside Stagg, Brayden Mills, Perez and Jacob Long. Weir also finished the day with another four goal haul.
Lewis Bruton tried hard all day in the middle for the Saints, as did Mark Strickland, Callan Wellings and Luke Whitehouse. Whitehouse (three) and James Murphy (two) were the Saints' only multiple goalkickers.
Lexton v Royal Park
Lexton's defence was again at its miserly best on Saturday, with the Tigers recording yet another win, this time a 44-point grind over Royal Park.
While Lexton may not have been at its free flowing best for the clash against its Tiger counterparts, its defenders again delivered en route to a 9.12 (66) to 3.4 (22) victory.
While the win may not have been Lexton's most impressive of the 20-4 season, it was a showcase of the Tigers' defensive strength, restricting a spirited Royal Park attack to just one goal for three quarters of football. Such was Lexton's defensive domination, it kept Bushy scoreless in the opening term, while slotting two majors of its own.
This trend continued in the second and third terms, with Royal Park kept to just 1.2 by three quarter time, while Lexton had booted 8.7.
Royal Park was allowed some brief joy in the final term, booting two majors, but the damage was already done as Lexton recorded its 11th successive win. The loss also dealt a major blow to Royal Park, with key player Taylor Stewart suffering broken ribs in the clash, which will see him sidelined for the remainder of the 2014 season.
Lexton skipper Matthew Brown led from the front with three goals, ably assisted by running players Lachlan Murray and James Templeton, who carved a swathe through the Bushy midfield for most of the day. Matthew Walker worked hard defensively all day for Royal Park, with Jay Anderson and Will Short also influential.
Talbot v Harcourt
A thirty nine point victory to Talbot over Harcourt on Sunday has seen the Hawks move into seventh spot and in doing so have denied a spot in the top eight to Harcourt.
It was Harcourt that were in control early in the game with a strong opening term, and they were leading by 25 points when Dean Watson kicked his second goal at the twenty one minute mark. Talbot then responded with two quick goals, both courtesy of fifty metre penalties, and then the mercurial Matthew Smith kicked a soccer goal out of mid-air from right on the goal line to have the Hawks within a goal at the quarter time siren.
It was a strong fightback which provided momentum that they carried into the second term with the first two goals, including a classy piece of play and goal to 16 year old Jorde Bux, which was very well received by the home crowd.
It was goal for goal for the remainder of the term with Talbot leading at half time by one point.
Harcourt had plenty of ball in the third term, but their turnovers were very costly as the Hawks piled on nine goals for the term including two apiece to Prentice, Matt Whiteman and Luke Kemp. In response, Harcourt could only manage two goals for the term to Dean Watson and Nick Matricardi.
It was imperative for the Lions to get off to a good start in the final quarter, but it was not to be as Steve Larkin kicked the first goal to lead by 42 points and the game was well in the keeping of the Hawks. The Lions kicked two late goals through Chris Stone and Nathan West, but it was to no avail as Talbot had the game in its keeping a long way out from the final siren.
Harcourt would be disappointed with their performance after half time as they were every chance early in the game, but the endeavour of Rowan Prentice was outstanding for Talbot and his tackling caused numerous turnovers, while Trent Barrass continues to excel with another game amongst the best performers, and Matthew Smith racked up possessions around the ground and used the ball to create a number of opportunities for his team mates.
Talbot won 18.11.119 to Harcourt 12.8.80
Last Modified on 22/07/2014 10:24