The Darling Downs Crows have overcome a sluggish start in their Round Six clash with the Kedron Lions to run out 33point victors, as the Crows secure a spot inside the Top Six.
Brendan Shelton again starred for the Crows as he bagged another five majors, which makes it three consecutive games with a tally of five goals. Darling Downs started the game very slow and lacked intensity; it wasn’t until the 9th minute mark of the first term until either side could register a score.
It was elusive forward Tom Matthews who put the visitors on the board early, which was followed shortly by Shelton’s first of the day. Matthews had his second in a matter of minutes just before the first break siren and the Crows lead 3.4 (22) to nil.
Brock Aston, Jacob Sheath and Sam Tasker were the main contributors, along with Matthews during the first term.
Tom Matthews got busy in the opening minutes of the second term as Aston bombed long and Matthews cleaned up with a beautiful snap after some impressive crumbing. A lapse of concentration cost the Crows during the centre stoppage and Kedron were able to boot their first of the day. A strong breeze kicked in mid-way through the second term as Kedron dominated possession but key defender Jacob Sheath repelled a Lions attack, linking up with Brock Aston and Kale Ross, who delivered to Brendan Shelton.
Shelton booted his second of the afternoon as the Crows extended their lead out to 26points as the half-time siren sounded.
Storm clouds were rolling over Anderson Oval as the Crows hit the ground running in the third quarter. An inspirational run by Tom Matthews from back pocket to half-forward that included a few one, two options went unrewarded as DD came out firing.
It wasn’t long after the inspiring run that Brayden Hess cleaned up a Kedron clanger inside fifty and the Crows soared to a 34point margin. Brendan Shelton again came alive as the key-forward booted his third, as the skies above opened up.
As the rain fell, the Crows stayed disciplined as a free kick was relayed 100metre down field to Shelton in the goal-square and “BJ” kicked his fourth. Shelton again kicked a goal on the siren as the Crows went into the final change leading 8.7 to 1.2.
It was Déjà vu in the opening minute as Shelton booted his fifth and Kedron started getting restless, as the Crows stayed disciplined. The Lions were able to get one against the flow shortly after, this was followed by another to the home side as Darling Downs looked like they had shut up shop for the afternoon. Kedron continued to roar as they kicked their third goal in a row.
As the sun came out the final siren sounded and the Crows finished 9.8 (62) to 4.4 (28) victors.
Crows Goal Kickers: Brendan Shelton 5, Tom Matthews 3, Brayden Hess 1,
DDAFLQ Crows Best: Brock Aston, Brendan Shelton, Luke Perrin, Jacob Sheath, Tom Matthews
The Darling Downs Crows will host the seventh placed Kenmore Bears next Sunday (9th June) from 12:30pm at Rockville Oval.
Photo: Small-forward Abdullah Haddad flying through the air against his much bigger Kedron opponent
Last Modified on 14/06/2013 14:39
