The Under 14 Carmichael Builders Crows have soared to victory in their Round 13 clash with the Wilston Grange Gorilla's, as the young Crows recorded a 71-point victory in front of a very strong home crowd.
Darling Downs locked in second spot on the ladder with their 11.11 (77) to 1.0 (6) to tame the Gorilla's.
It was a hard fought first quarter where the game see-sawed between flanks but the Crows were able to gain momentum after a few wayward shots early in the quarter by Matthews and Clark. It was Shelton who steadied the ship and booted DD's first goal to take a handy 9-point lead into the first break.
Wilston Grange struggled to go inside forward 50, as Baldock, Neumann and Aston repelled every forward thrust by the Gorilla's.
Early in the second quarter Brock Aston flexed his muscles to set up the first goal of the quarter, as Matthews finished off Aston's work. Wilston Grange started to gain ascendency after the Matthews goal but that was put to sleep as Reardon, Neumann and Baldock were too good for their seventh placed opponents across half-back.
The next 5-minutes of play belong to Brock Aston as the young star booted 3 goals to sink the Gorilla's before the main break. Kale Ross and Tom Matthews ball use was first class as was the work rate of key forward Tom Clark and ruck Callum Walters.
Going into the main break Darling Downs were able to keep Wilston Grange scoreless as the Crows held a 6-goal advantage.
Tom Matthews and Eric Rattray got in on the act early in the third term as both booted early goals in the opening 5-minutes. Moments later, Tom Clark was rewarded for his work-rate at centre-half forward booting a beauty on the run and shortly after, kicked his second for the day.
Darling Downs really flexing their muscles throughout the quarter as Aston, Matthews, Shelton and Ross were impressive in the midfield.
Up by 10-goals with one quarter to play, the Crows as they have done in the past had a couple of minutes lapse and the Gorilla's pounced and kicked their first score of the game. This was enough for Darling Downs to kick back into gear and booted home two more majors to record an impressive win and move into second spot.
Final score: Darling Downs 11.11 (77) def. Wilston Grange 1.0 (6)
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The win sets up an intriguing battle for the young-Crows as they head to Casheez Park for a top of the table blockbuster against rivals Redlands this Sunday. Last time they met Redlands ran away with a 32-point victory, the Crows will need to be on their game against the first placed Sharks.
PHOTO: Brendan Shelton breaking away
Last Modified on 19/08/2013 09:54