South Cairns looked every bit a top-four side on Saturday but again they left empty handed after another close loss, this time at the hands of champions Saints. The Cutters were never in front at any stage, though they were never out of the contest either, and if given another five minutes may have overrun a Saints side that started strongly but drifted worryingly as the game progressed.
The 19.11 (125) to 15.22 (112) score line could have looked vastly different; four times Souths hit the woodwork and on just as many occasions missed shots they would have made on any other day. Six unanswered goals to Saints in the first quarter was the killer, with the damage mainly done by imposing centre half forward Reece Poyner (four goals).
In front of a near 500-strong crowd that long-time Saints supporters described as the biggest in a decade, the defending champions were rampant in the opening term. With the wind at their backs and numbers around the ball they had countless unchallenged possessions and with Poyner a clear target up front it was looking ominous for the Cutters.
But the visitors soon found their grip at Griffiths Park to kick the first three goals in the second quarter and that seemed to inspire some belief in their young team. They linked up superbly to overturn a 36-point deficit and trail by nine as the clock wound down to the final siren.
Souths’ Curtis Allen, Matt Werner, Billy English and skipper Michael Markham (five goals) all lifted as the game aged. Allen and Josh Barnes – both with four majors – kept the pressure on Saints in the final quarter with regular majors.
But the class of Saints full forward Matt Walsh (six goals) in just his third game back from injury was the difference, as his sure hands and accurate right boot got them home.
Read more at http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2011/07/04/172315_local-sport-news.html
Courtesy of The Cairns Post.
Last Modified on 04/07/2011 09:39