A 95-point first round win is not redemption for last years grand final loss to the Manunda Hawks, but it has the Cairns Saints feeling good about 2008.
The red, white and black continued their winning pre-season form handing out a football lesson to the hapless Hawks in a 24.17 (161) to 9.12 (66) demolition at Cazalys stadium on Sunday.
The onslaught started early in the grand final rematch.
Saints captain and 2006 and 2007 leading goal kicker Matthew Walsh booted the first of his six goals two-minutes into the game. Two more followed in the next 12-minutes.
Both high flyer Walsh and new recruit from Irymple in the Sunraysia Football League Jason Eagle gave their team something to aim for up front.
In an outstanding performance Eagle kicked five goals, playing-coach Mark Kennedy, James Coatsworth and another new comer from Swan Hill Ashley Dedini all booted three.
There were early warning signs for the Hawks who remained goalless until Fred Pittorino found the sticks two-minutes into the second quarter to take the score to 58-8.
A scuffle broke out between a number of players half way through the term and is sure to come under the scrutiny of the league at the beginning of the week.
The Saints headed to the shed at half time leading the Hawks 85-13 before the score blew out to 128-32 at the final break.
Manunda held their own in the final quarter outscoring the opposition by one-point, 34-33.
The defending Premiers felt the effects of going into the match under strength including key players Luke Powell and Ryan Cypher out on suspension from last yearâs Grand Final.
Veteran Kevin Rundle, Gabby Weetra and Dayle Muscat were unavailable, but coach Michael Purcell is not using absent players as an excuse.
I think it was pretty obvious we were under prepared compared to them, Purcell said.
I dont want to use the number of players we had out as an excuse.
Saints mentor and 2007 Coach of the Year Kennedy was keen not to blow the result out of proportion.
Sure there were some good signs there today, but its a long season and were not getting carried away, Kennedy said.
Obviously the Hawks were not at full strength today. But it does show the boys that the hard work does pay-off.
The Hawks play Central Trinity Beach next weekend at Crathern Park and the Saints meet South Cairns at Griffiths Park.
By Beverly Warnest
Last Modified on 11/02/2009 10:09