By Travis Parnaby
In the game of the season, Eastern triumphed over the Falcons by one point at Skilled Stadium, thus ending Geelong’s 11-game hot streak. Nothing split the sides all day with just two points in it at the final change. Defender Aaron Young was super while ruckman Nathan Burnage dominated with 34 hit outs for Eastern. Geelong’s best was ruck rover Michael Sodamaco (30 touches and eight tackles).
Gippsland recorded a 51-point victory over the Dragons at Morwell. Sandringham took the match up to its opponent early, but a seven-goal to one third term busted the game open. Among Gippsland’s best was back pocket Luke Tynem and goal sneak Jed Lamb jagged four goals. Sandringham captain Patrick Liston led from the front (24 disposals).
Murray thumped the Gold Coast on its home turf, running out 55-point winners.
With a 29-point lead established at the main break, the clinical Bushrangers finished with a six goal to one second half. Murray’s Farran Priest kicked three goals from 33 touches.
Calder held its top-four spot with a 27 point win at Oakleigh. The Cannons defence was superb and held the Chargers to just two goals to half-time. Bulldog father-son prospects Mitchell Wallis (29 possessions) and Thomas Liberatore (23 disposals and three goals) starred.
North Ballarat won the battle of the bush against rival Bendigo at Horsham City Oval by 30 points. Jandre Slabbert and Marcus Darmody controlled the Rebels key defensive posts while Dean Gavin collected the ball at will in the middle (33 possessions). Pioneer Matthew Smith gathered 21 touches and kicked a goal.
Northern surprised Dandenong by 18 points to keep its finals hopes alive. The visitors were outstanding early and established a 45-point half-time lead. Despite only two goals after half-time, the Knights held firm to close out the game. Knights forward Tom Hill kicked four goals and Knight Jaryd Cachia was prolific in and under the packs (29 possessions). Dylan Roberton was the standout for the Stingrays with 23 possessions and six marks.
In round 14 of the TAC Cup, Gold Coast hosts the resurgent Northern Knights, Bendigo plays Oakleigh at Golden Square and Geelong, on the rebound for the first time in 2009, hosts Calder. Sunday sees Sandringham at home to Dandenong in a VFL curtain-raiser, Gippsland and Western at Morwell and Eastern versus Murray at Box Hill. North Ballarat has the week off.
Last Modified on 07/04/2010 15:20