The Whitsunday Sea-Eagles have proved their dominance of the Manpower AFL Mackay season, with an emphatic victory over a steadily improving North Mackay Saints.
North Mackay drew first blood, with an early goal to Carl Teske, leaving the Sea-Eagles searching for options to get through the steely defences of the Saints backline, led admirably in the face of adversity by Scott Thomas and Jason Robertson.
Some clever snaps from James Gallagher at the midway point of the second quarter left the scores locked, leaving North Mackay fans dreaming of the halcyon days of 2007 and 2008. From there, the Sea-Eagles lifted in attack through the sublime skills of Paul Branchflower to set up set shots at goal through Nick O’Reilly and Peter Cipri, kicking 6 and 4 for the match respectively.
A half time pep talk from Whitsunday coach Gain Kahl was enough to shake out any cobwebs from the Sea-Eagles attack, as they switched and never looked back. Darren Boase was effective in support of Branchflower, with captain Mark Pollard adding to his Matheson Plastering goal kicking tally.
Whitsunday 3.4, 9.6, 13.9, 18.10 (118) def North Mackay 2.2, 6.4, 7.5, 8.8 (56)
Reserves: Whitsunday 18.4 (112) def North Mackay 2.3 (15)
The Mackay City Hawks have shook the monkey of their back by disposing of a lack-luster Eastern Swans at Rogers Oval to claim second position on the Manpower Premiership ladder.
The Hawks and Swans famously play close contested matches, with this weekend’s game expected to be another tight contest as each club eyes the crucial second spot coming into the finals. The Hawks took it right up to front-runners Whitsunday a fortnight ago, and had a point to prove this weekend against the Swans.
The Keg Player of the Year frontrunner, Chris Butcher put in another stellar performance, ably assisted by Des Haynes and Nathan Cross. Rick Manson had a good day with the boot, slotting 4 major scores.
The Swans appeared out on their feet, except for some stand-out efforts by Ryan Usher and Sam Miller in defense, but could not match the high flying Hawks to go down by 88 points.
Mackay City 4.3, 8.7, 9.11, 16.14 (110) def Eastern Swans 1.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.4 (22)
Reserves: Mackay City 19.9 (123) def Eastern Swans 3.4 (22)
How the mighty fall. Former league front-runners Bakers Creek have potentially spiralled out of contention for the top four of the Manpower AFL Mackay Premiership, following a disappointing afternoon against the bottom placed Moranbah Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs have one of the best centre combinations in the league, through 2008 Keg Player of the Year Tim Bone, Darren Semmler and Brendan Ridgely, who again controlled traffic this weekend, but have until now been unable to chalk up a win in season 2009.
Peter Liston has forced Moranbah coach Mark Johnson to sit up and take notice, coming out of his customary defensive role to kick four goals for the match. With Sam Francou putting in a best on ground display in the Bulldog backline, Liston could become a permanent fixture at the “glory end” of the field.
The injury ravaged Tigers have had a runoff outs, and needed a win this weekend to lift themselves back into the top four. Mrs Vagg’s sons Johnny and Robby ran well for the Tigers, and were rewarded for their efforts with some good goals, as was Rob Philp who booted five goals against his former club. The Bulldogs however were too strong, and booted away in the second half to a 33 point win.
Moranbah 4.8, 8.11, 12.14, 16.19 (115) def Bakers Creek 5.3, 7.6, 9.8, 12.10 (82)
Last Modified on 14/09/2010 11:13