The Under 14 Darling Downs Crows have made it four straight wins after accounting for the sixth placed Kenmore Bears at Rockville Oval on Sunday.
Darling Downs were made to work for it late in the game but the steady heads of Brock Aston and Tom Matthews guided the way.
It was all Darling Downs in the opening term, as the Crows dominated possession but were very wasteful in front of the big sticks. Kale Ross kicked the first of the game after some classy foot work by Aston in the middle. Tom Clark followed suit shortly after booting his first of the afternoon, which again came from the Aston who combined with Matthews.
Darling Downs kept Kenmore score-less in the opening exchange and held a slender 15 point lead at the first break.
The second quarter was a half back to half back term of footy, as both sides struggled to find an avenue forward. Jacob Sheath, Sam Baldock and Tom Matthews were prolific off half-back, while Aston along with Kale Ross were dominate through the midfield.
Only two behinds were scored for the second quarter both to the Crows, as Kenmore couldn't find a way to penetrate the Darling Downs defence. Halftime scores saw the Crows 2.6 (18) to 0.0 (0) at the long change.
Kenmore came out firing after the long break but again could not breach the Sheath and Baldock half-back line. Brendan Shelton fired up the Crows when he kicked a ripper from the behind post, that curled straight of the umpires hat. Shelton's goal of the year nomination was shortly followed by a brilliant team goal that went from coast to coast.
The play started with a courageous pack mark to Jacob Sheath who off-loaded to a running Matthews which was followed by brilliant link up work between Matthews, Collison, Wren, Aston, Shelton and then finished off superbly by the hard running Callan Wilson.
With only seconds to go the Crows concentration lapsed for a moment and Kenmore pounced, booting a goal through their giant ruckman to keep them in the contest in a low scoring game. Darling Downs held a slender 4.8 (32) - 1.3 (9) lead with one quarter to play.
Kenmore continued their momentum in the opening minute of the fourth term booting another and giving them hope of a comeback. That goal seemed to wake up the sleepy Crows, as big forward BJ Shelton booted the steadier and put the result within doubt.
Darling Downs controlled the game from here on in but again wasted opportunities in front of the goals that could have increased the winning margin.
The Crows ran out 5.9 (39) to 2.4 (16) victors in freezing conditions at Toowoomba's Rockville Oval and have secured fourth position on the ladder.
Brock Aston, Sam Baldock, Kale Ross, Tom Matthews along with Brendan Shelton and Callum Walters were amongst the Crows best for the afternoon. Darling Downs will host Sandgate next Sunday as a curtain raiser to the Women's League fixture, the (Sandgate) Hawks sit below the Crows in ninth position and DD will be looking to make the most of this home fixture.
Final Score: Darling Downs 5.9 (39) def. Kenmore 2.4 (16)
Crows Goals: Brendan Shelton 2, Kale Ross 1, Tom Clark 1, Callan Wilson 1
Crows Best: Brock Aston, Sam Baldock, Tom Matthews, Kale Ross, Brendan Shelton, Jacob Sheath
Last Modified on 20/06/2013 08:54