Saturday 26 April 2008

A barnstorming third quarter where they monstered Redland with 12.7-0.2 set up a 121-point win for Southport at Fankhauser Reserve today.

Either side of the premiership quarter demolition the Bombers were outscored a respectable 15 goals to 10, although the visitors’ poor disposal by foot hurt them all day.

The damage could have been even greater had the Sharks kicked straight, but the 27.26 (188)-10.7 (67) still kept them in line with top side Mt Gravatt in the percentage stakes.

Redland went into the game with some optimism after regaining midfield general Phil Carse, with rugged forward Michael Thompson suiting up again, albeit with a heavy bandaged knee.

The Sharks were without their midfield generators Darren O’Brien and Danny Wise, but it made little difference.

Star wingman David James continued his outstanding form from last week, and seasoned campaigners Clint Watts and Adam Devine were highly damaging in their second match for the season.

Redland were competitive early, holding Southport to five goals while kicking three themselves into a stiff breeze.

While the Sharks booted six goals in the second term, the 11.11-7.4 halftime scoreline was still most respectable for the Bombers, particularly as their own turnovers were what was hurting them most.

The third quarter was just a stunning display of the renowned Southport machine cranking into action, with James kicking goals from the wing, Mark Lynch running down the ground for two, and Ben McEntee and Brett Sinclair regularly potting majors from outside the 50m arc.

Much of the momentum was generated by big ruckman Broc McAuley, who continues to grow in stature as a big man of enormous talent.

The Bombers refused to capitulate and held the Sharks in the last term, but the scoreboard remained ugly.

McEntee won the battle of the leading full-forwards, his 6.2 taking him level with Redland adversay Mick Aitken, who managed just 2.0 and one on the full from three kicks.

Damien Charleston did a sound checking job on Aitken, who was pushed aside in several of the marking contests.

Brett Sinclair bagged his second straight five-goal haul as the twin focal points proved more than a handful for the overworked Bombers defence.

One of the highlights of the game was the display by Redland midfielder Phil Carse, who collected more than 30 possessions and kicked three goals.

“It was one of the best individual games that I have ever seen,” said Bombers coach Matthew Francis afterwards. “He was up against some magnificent opposition, but he was still fantastic.”