Out at blowy Malabar, the Shamrocks hosted Newtown. With both teams not having access to their prime lineup of players , it was an opportunity for both sides to play their developing players. Newtown kicking towards the Anzac Parade end was able to get to a fast start to score 4.2.26 to no score. This was to be the same result in the second quarter where Newtown rained 6 goals on the Shamrocks to have them shellshocked at 10.5.65 to 0.1.1.
A fired up Shamrocks came back in the 3rd quarter to win the quarter convincingly 4.2.26 to 0.2.2 to set up an enthralling last quarter but the football education of the Irish continued as the Breakaways rained another 7.3.45 to no score to have a comprehensive win of 17.10.112 to to 4.3.27. For the Breakaways, it was a compelling win from all their team with multiple goal scorers soured by a suspected fractured wrist to Roxy McGee that happened in the very last minute of the game. For the Shamrocks it was probably the football lesson required to remind them that finals football is a different beast all together. The loss means that they have 4th placed locked up in the finals and will be in the minor semi-final against the 3rd placed team.
Thanks to League Equipment Officer Joanne Farrell for carting the pads from Mahoney.
At Olds Park which hosted it's first league game this season, St George Dragons hosted Balmain at Olds Park for the first time in it's league history. Balmain were kept tight by the Dragons to score only 2.2.14 to no score. It seemed the wide open spaces of Olds Park was not to the Dockers liking as they were not their usual scoring efficiency whilst the Dragons rose to the occasion playing to their numerous supporters. At half time it was 3.1.19 to 1.2.8 leaving the half time score 5.3.33 to 1.2.8.
In the third quarter Balmain worked hard once again to score 2.4.16 to 0.2.2 and the fourth quarter was 2.0.12 to one behind to St George. St. George tried very valiantly and the end score of 9.7.61 to 1.5.11 is the closest margin recorded between the two sides. This shows how much constant improvement St George has achieved this year. For the Dockers although not spectacular it was sufficient to assure themselves of definite 3rd place and potential pressure on 2nd place Wests based on the big clash in Round 14.
Golden Boot news was fluctuating with all positions up for grabs. Marie Keating despite not playing remains in first place on 31 goals quickly pursued by Balmain's Belinda Pride hot on her heels in 2nd place with a 6-goal grab to be on 29 goals. Rebecca Burridge (Newtown) is on 27 goals and Verna Iles, the rookie from Newtown is 4th on 22 goals. With only one round to go, the 2009 Golden Boot is definitely available for the top five players.
Last Modified on 03/08/2009 14:35