Kangaroos get the job done

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North Coffs	8.5	11.8	14.14	14.14-98
Port Macquarie	0.0	2.2	2.2	10.6-66

North Coffs

Goal Kickers: M. Crispe 3, T. Cook 2, D. Funston 2, J. O''Connor 2, T. Merrick, A. Delves, S. Dawes, J. Campbell, L. Sands
Best Players: B. Giri, J. Drum, S. Dawes, T. Heather, D. Funston, T. Merrick

Port Macquarie

Goal Kickers: M. Lill 4, J. Schmidt 2, M. Long 2, G. Wiegold 2
Best Players: G. Dean, J. Schmidt, D. Nankivell, T. Donohoe, J. Mohr, S. Skreja

 

 

North Coffs have earned the right for a rematch with the Saints courtesy of a strong opening term.

 

The game was effectively over at quarter-time as the Kangaroos ran riot. The forward line was working more efficiently with Trent Cook and Jordan O'Connor acting as strong targets, as Matthew Crispe provided a reliable foil.

 

Port Macquarie lacked the work rate to challenge their opponents during the early stages. The drive provided by Sam Dawes and Darren Funston stretched the Magpies to tethers.

 

It was much of the same straight after half-time. The southern outfit were again held scoreless as Josh Drum and Br1.2ad Giri showed no mercy in a game that quickly degenerated into a non-enterprising affair.

 

Most concerning was the Kangaroos' final quarter performance. With Sam Dawes taken off with concussion and Matthew Gleeson reported for headbutting, North Coffs lost their bearings as the Magpies booted eight goals.

 

Greg Dean and Dean Nankervill, in particular finished the game off well. Tim Donohue led from the front in the midfield for Port Macquarie.

 

It was hardly the momentum North Coffs wanted leading into the Grand Final given their winning position early in the contest.

 

 

RESERVES

 Coffs Swans    1.2   3.4    4.6    6.6-42

 Sawtell            1.1   3.3    5.6    6.7-43

The Saints won a cliffhanger in the Reserves that could have gone either way.

Led by the experience of Hayden Cox and Tristan Snow, the Swans had the Saints under pressure for prolonged periods.

Sam Phillips provided some active pace through the midfield, whilst Daley Bear and Ben Miller also enjoyed good games.

The Saints have winning experience in this grade and were again on top at the crucial stages.

Rick Johnson led from the front, and had handy support from Andrew Draper who continued his strong season in the grade.

Simon Bilsborough again chipped in with three goals, with the Saints to play against Port again in the decider next Saturday.

UNDER 18s

Nambucca Valley    2.1    5.4   11.7   11.10-76

Sawtell                  3.2    4.5    5.7     8.8-56

Nambucca Valley upstaged the Saints to win a ticket to the big dance against the Coffs Swans.

After an even first-half, the Lions blew the game open in the third-term taking full advantage of the wind on their side.

The inclusion of Kyle Cohen gave the Lions more strength through the middle third of the paddock. Justin Saker was also exceptional in the middle, getting the better of an inticing duel against Jack Gillingham.

Gillingham and Ethan Kelly battled hard for the Sawtell outfit. Kelly dominated the hit-outs but his teammates were unable to take advantage of his superiority on the ground.

Riley Connor has a cracker in the centre, with his pace influential on the contest. Jed Ellis-Cuff was again strong.

Captain, James Boatfield enjoyed one of his best matches for the club, booting half-a-dozen majors.

All in all, the Lions structure was far superior. They improved markedly on their performance against North Coffs and given their rate of development, have a good chance of challenging the Swans next week.

Last Modified on 29/08/2009 21:52

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