It was billed as the match of the round, the eagerly anticipated clash between Cowwarr and SALE CITY however the hype and hope surrounding the match failed to live up to all expectations after quarter time.
The match all but flattened within the opening 20 minutes of the second term, as Sale City ran away to a commanding 48 point lead at half time.
The visitors inflicting further damage after the main change, slamming on 17.12 (114) to 3.3 (21) to run home comprehensive 141 point victors.
The Dog’s were well held in the opening term, despite the scoreboard difference before putting their foot on the pedal as they powered all over the home side who struggled to find options in front of goal.
The Saints losing forward Shane Morgan early with a dislocated finger and with Leo Galea out of the lineup Cowwarr’s options in front of goal were limited.
In stark contrast, the Dog’s forward line operated smoothly with Jake Milham, Jake Schuback and Josh Tollner providing the ground level spark.
Milham was especially dangerous early, having three goals to his name by midway through the second quarter which helped the Dog’s race to a 48 point advantage at halftime, a lead which effectively ended the match as a contest.
City started on the front foot opening the days account with the first three before Cowwarr’s Pat Tanish and Steve Cooper responded with two quick majors before the visitors added two more before the quarter time siren.
Clean possession by the Saints saw the side open the second term before the Dog’s booted four unanswered majors.
Cowwarr’s errors going forward proved costly, with the Dog’s backline of best on ground Abe Schuback, Nigel McGrath, Adam Brander and Justin Brown picking off Saints attacks with ease.
City continued to hit targets, amass possessions and make the most of their opportunities in the second half with coach Nick Hider pleased his side continued to play unselfish footy despite the score line.
“It's very satisfying to see the guys really work for one another, it shows how great the boys attitude is, they played unselfish footy and kept the pressure on all day even when we were in front,” Hider said.
“The side has just clicked, the new recruits have settled in well but the improvement has come from the guys from last year’s list.
“The key is to continue on and keep building on the foundations that we have laid and not drop away, the next month will really expose the side to pressure with Heyfield, Gormandale and Churchill to test us.”
Saints assistant Coach Leo Galea said that the side was given a big reality check in what was a disappointing performance.
“They are a very good side and to be comprehensively beaten like that is a big reality check, we will have to go back to the drawing board and look at ways in which we can cover the injuries that we have,” said Galea.
“We thought that we had enough strength on ball to go with them, but to have Lee Cooper and Jordon Bourke missing from the side and to loose Shane Morgan early we had no targets up forward.
“I take my hat off to the backline to have three of the best from defence shows how hard the likes of Matt Buglisi and Kevin Hood in his 100th match worked all day.”
Boisdale slumped to their worst start to a North Gippsland season in a number of years after being crushed by CHURCHILL to the tune of 65 points.
After a barnstorming start, the Cougars were never seriously threatened and lodged their third straight win of the season 21.12 (138) to 10.13 (73) at Gaskin Park.
Churchill kicked six goals to two in the opening term to establish an advantage never relinquished, the Cougars building on their lead at every change.
Travis Brighton was a standout booting three majors, while his teammates Dean Jenkins, midfielders Leigh McDonald and Brandon Mahoney were all prominent.
GORMANDALE overpowered Stratford in the second half to win by 14 goals, the Tigers unable to shake the Swans in the opening two stanzas before blowing the game apart in the third term.
Six goals to Daniel Trease and two each to Brendan Solomon and David Downes spearheaded the Tigers to their second win in three matches this season a 17.23 (125) to 6.4 (40) victory.
Inaccuracy at goal allowed Stratford to remain in the contest at quarter time, boasting 18 shots to four the Tigers failed to bury their opponent in the opening half.
Gormandale upped the tempo after the long change midfielder Luke Hegarty lifting his side in an individual standout performance, with Jack Marino and Wayne Henry among the best.
GLENGARRY made an early statement of intent with an emphatic 85 point victory over TTU.
The Magpies have got their season off to a flying start winning two from two, Saturdays terrific opening half ensuring victory before the visitors closed out the 18.18 (126) to 5.11 (41) win.
After a tight start to the match, the Magpies opened up a 28 point lead at the first break with a six goal first quarter.
It soon grew to a 31 point buffer at half-time, with Josh Piper and Josh King in blistering touch in front of goals.
The Bombers fell away after the long change as they struggled to have any impact on the scoreboard booting 1.5 (11) to Glengarry’s 9.11 (65).
Michael Black was a standout with Heath Fox and Chris Bland also influential throughout the match.
Piper was the pick of the goal scorers finishing the match with a bag of six, while King and Bland booted four goals each.
A best on ground performance by premiership player Sean Humphries steered reigning premiers HEYFIELD to their second win of the season against Woodside.
Staring down the barrel of three straight losses the Wildcats failed to fire in the first quarter.
By the first change, the Kangaroos led by four goals and from then on were never in danger as they surged to a 44 point win.
Humphries was dangerous whether in the middle of the ground or pushing forward, Joel Dinsdale and defender Adam Lambie were continual threats when they got their hands on the ball while Luke Conway was the pick of the goal kickers finishing with five majors.
Last Modified on 18/04/2010 11:35