Coffs Swans 13.8-86 def. Grafton 9.4-58

Coffs Swans

Goal Kickers: E. Duryea 4, S. Turner 2, D. Box 2, S. Morgan 2, R. Eddy, J. Burow, N. Millard

Best Players: R. Eddy, D. Box, D. Colman, S. Turner, E. Duryea

Grafton

Goal Kickers: G. Blackwell 3, Z. Edwards 2, S. Morrison, D. Beaver, B. Kurtzman, S. Onus

Best Players: K. Thompson, D. Zacek, G. Connolly, Z. Edwards, J. Walder, D. McGregor

The Coffs Swans took a further step towards solidifying their top two placing in their win over Grafton. The Swans led from start-to-finish as they dominated Grafton who struggled with a toothless attack in the first half. Dave Box and Rob Eddy provided the rebounding pressure for the Swans. Sam Turner also gave good run for the victors in the middle. Evan Duryea (4 goals) enjoyed a strong start before Justin Darby held the spearhead forward in the second half.

The Tigers won the second half but the match was inevitably out of reach. Graeme Connolly dominated the ruck after being introduced into the game midway through the first term. Zac Edwards looked more potent up forward, with Grahame Blackwell the pick of the forwards. Daniel Zacek was Grafton's best and tried valiantly to keep them in the game during the first half as the match slipped away from their grasp. The Swans contained potential dangermen, Dale Beaver and Ryan Sheather, who were both quiet.

Port Macquarie 10.17-77 def. Nambucca Valley 6.11-47

Nambucca Valley

Goal Kickers: R. McGrath 2, J. Ellis-Cluff, J. Boatfield, A. Clarke, N. Cohen
Best Players: M. Schmidt, J. Angel, A. Clarke, R. McGrath, L. Benson, M. Townsend

Port Macquarie

Goal Kickers: G. Wiegold 4, D. McNeil 2, C. Miechel 2, L. Martin, J. Schmidt
Best Players: C. Miechel, M. Harvey, G. Dean, J. Mohr, M. Long, L. Martin

In the other match, Port withheld a Nambucca comeback to win in a scrappy contest at Macksville Park.

Nambucca were never much more than a couple of goals behind the Magpies for the majority of the contest but were unable to make a lasting inroad into the Port outfit.

Port’s cause was not aided by inaccurate kicking with the side finishing the first quarter with a solitary goal from 11 scoring shots. Gordon Wiegold was a target up forward, as was Clayton Miechel, who was strong for the victors.

Ray McGrath was the only multiple goal kicker for Nambucca, as they had a sniff of victory leading into the last quarter.

It was Port though who prevailed in a dour contest, jumping them into the top four leading into the mid-season break.