Round 6 match reports by Stephen Marson
Under 19’s:
Northcote Park booted 16 goals in the final quarter to smash North Heidelberg by 265 points.
It was one-way traffic from the first bounce, as the Cougars put eight past the Bulldogs in the opening quarter. They then added seven more during the second term and continued to keep North Heidelberg scoreless, as they went into half time with a 97-point lead.
With a few out for the Cougars, the usual runner Andre Botoulas became a permit player for the day, and he also found the scoreboard in the win. He kicked one of 10 Cougar goals in the third term, but Northcote Park were just getting started.
16 goals during the final 20 minutes saw the Cougars goal tally hit 41, as Janus Waldron and Brandon Brown both kicked bags of 10 to lead the way.
Reserves:
The Cougars overcame a slow first quarter to record a 79-point win against the Bulldogs.
Both teams only managed one goal each in the first term, as inaccuracy was hampering the two sides.
Northcote Park straightened up in the second, booting five goals to two and creating a buffer for themselves heading into the half time break.
It was a different ball game after half time, with the Cougars turning on the style and putting North Heidelberg to the sword.
Rob Chadwick finished with six goals, and Ben Callahan five, as Northcote Park finished with a 12 goal to three second half in the big win.
Special mention goes to Under 19’s players Liam Eldridge and Matthew George, who backed up and played for the reserves as well.
Seniors:
A big third quarter from Northcote Park helped the side pull away from North Heidelberg to record a 66-point win.
The Cougars trailed at the quarter time break, as they we struggling to take opportunities when going forward.
A better second quarter at both ends of the park helped the away side get back on top, and take a four-goal lead into the main break.
The defence began to shut down the Bulldogs forwards, and the home side had no answer. Six different Cougars goaled in the third quarter, and Northcote Park had blown the margin out beyond the Bulldogs’ reach.
Ash Close led the game with four goals in his return from injury, and helped ensure that the Cougars would pick up their third win in a row.