Match One: Gunnedah Bulldogs 14.21.105 def Tamworth Swans 8.9.57
The only match of the weekend saw a determined Swans outfit outlasted by the Bulldogs in Gunnedah. Despite trailing for most of the first half, the Dogs came running over the top of a weary Swans side who showed glimpses of what they are capable of in 2013. The final margin of 48 points did little justice to the boys from Tamworth who are getting closer to their first win of the 2013 season.
The match started with multiple strong efforts from both teams, with play across the park fairly even. The Bulldogs had more scoring opportunities, but were wasteful in front of the big sticks, kicking 9 behinds for the opening quarter without registering a single major. The Swans on the other hand made the most of their chances and kicked 3 goals to lead by 11 points at the first change.
Needing to lift, the Dogs responded early in the second quarter, kicking their first of the game to bridge the gap. However, the Swans were not ready to lie down and answered quickly before they themselves started getting wasteful in front of goals. They still managed 2 goals for the quarter but the Dogs kicked 4 to narrow the margin to 4 points at the long break.
Both coaches would have been urging his players to go on with the job in the second half, and it was the Dogs that responded best. The Swans started to falter under the strain of a lack of player numbers and simply ran out of legs in the last 50 minutes of the match. They were still in with a chance at three quarter time when trailing by 21 points but it was the Dogs who had all the legs late and pushed the final margin out to 8 goals.
The Dogs had consistent contributions in front of goal with Ben Middlebrook, Farren Lamb and Andrew George all kicking 3 majors. Jake Vigor was their best on field, with Michael “Shep” Kennedy and Daniel Hughes also prominent in the win. The Swans were best served by returning veteran Damien Wendt who kicked 4 goals and was among their best on ground. Colin Gallen and Dane Miller also had strong games for the Swans.
The Swans will now return home to Tamworth to battle the Cats next weekend while the Dogs will get a visit from the Saints in Gunnedah.
Last Modified on 28/02/2014 10:31