Round 4 match reports by Stephen Marson
Under 19’s:
Eight goals to five after quarter time saw Northcote Park topple Montmorency in a low scoring contest.
The Cougars were unable to register a goal during the first term, as they just didn’t execute when given the chance early on. This all changed after quarter time, however. Northcote Park kept the Magpies scoreless during the second quarter, and booted three of their own to take an eight-point lead into half time.
Both teams had their chances in the third quarter, and Northcote Park was able to get on top again to lead Montmorency by 21 with one quarter to go.
An impressive four-goal haul from full forward Brandon Brown was enough for the Cougars as they saw off a late Magpies run to come away eight point winners.
Reserves:
Inaccuracy cost the Cougars big time in their 30-point loss to Montmorency, in another low scoring game.
While Northcote Park were only two goals down at quarter time, it was their second term that was their biggest downfall.
The Cougars booted 0.5 for the quarter, and missed a few chances that on another day, would have resulted in majors. Even though the Magpies didn’t kick a goal that term either, Northcote Park were still deflated heading into half time.
While Northcote Park weren’t being outplayed, it was their own doing that was causing their demise. Towards the end of the third term, skill errors led to Montmorency goals, which again dragged the lead back out.
The Cougars tried to stage a final quarter comeback but it wasn’t to be, as the Magpies were just too strong in the end.
Seniors:
Northcote Park led at the end of all four quarters, as they were too much for Montmorency at home.
Round 4 marks the first round of the 23rd player rule for the season, and it was fantastic to see Janus Waldron get the call up to the senior side, and he didn’t look too out of place either.
Northcote Park came out of the blocks strong and had an impressive first quarter, as their ball movement and speed was too quick for the Magpies, and the Cougars took a small lead into quarter time.
The lead grew during the second term, as forced turnovers from Northcote Park allowed for easy Cougar goals. A six goal to two opening half had the Cougars looking the goods at the main break.
They came out even stronger in the second half, as two goals in as many minutes from Koden Colman gave the home team another lift. The Cougars were simply outplaying Montmorency, and it was beginning to show on the scoreboard.
The intensity never faded from Northcote Park, as an amazing defensive two on one effort from Thomas Walliss saved a certain goal from the goal square. Wayne Schultz added his third just before the final whistle, as the Cougars ran out comfortable 35-point winners.