Article by Michael Shillito
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UNSW-ES continued their late-season surge with a stunning upset win over Wests at the Village Green on Saturday afternoon.
The Bulldogs have played some better footy in the last few weeks, but few would have anticipated the devastating display they put on in the first half, as they locked the Magpies out of the contest. From the start, the Bulldogs were taking the game up to their more fancied rivals; and Magpie possessions were hard to find. Three unanswered goals and a 20-point lead in the first term sent a clear message that the Bulldogs had come to play; but they were even more impressive in the second quarter.
Contesting every possession, denying the Magpies any use of the ball, and finding their targets when it was their turn with the footy. And with all of the five goals that were scored in the second term, the Bulldogs returned to the rooms at half time to a standing ovation from the Bulldog faithful and a 52-point lead on the scoreboard.
The Magpies finally broke their goal-scoring drought in the third quarter; but were unable to make any significant inroads into the massive deficit. The rain was getting heavier, ball-handling more tricky; and the game remained just as elusively out of the Magpies’ reach. Two goals were scored by each side in the third term; and although the Magpies narrowly won the quarter to cut the margin to 50 points at the last change, it wasn’t enough to create any danger to the Bulldogs’ chances.
The pressure valve had been released in the last quarter. The sting had largely gone out of the game, and a more open and free-flowing contest eventuated in the final term. The scoreboard operator was kept busy as the forwards from both sides began to make more leads and create more chances. A shootout in the final term went the Magpies’ way, six goals to five. Although the final margin was cut to 40 points, it was still a comfortable win for UNSW-ES.
James Pascoe finished with four goals for the Bulldogs; while around the ground, Peter Kefalas, Hayden Nichols and Tim Cummins made prominent contributions. Taylor Williamson spearheaded the Magpies’ second half revival to finish with six goals to be best-on-ground in a losing side; while Levi Sands and Hugh McLean were also significant contributors.
The Bulldogs won their first two games this season, but a seven-game losing streak had seen them sink to the lower depths of the ladder and even a few weeks ago had looked an impossible dream. But despite having won just seven of 17 games this season, they find themselves right in the finals mix. A win over bottom side Sydney Hills Eagles and a loss for Sydney Uni against top side Manly will be enough to get them into the playoffs. But for Wests, the result could cost them the double-chance in the finals; they’ll need to not only beat UTS at Picken Oval next week but hope St George go down to Campbelltown.
Last Modified on 19/08/2014 21:59