The Northern Knights returned to the winners list this week with a fighting 7 point win over TAC Cup competition leaders, Geelong Falcons in windy conditions at Preston City Oval, on Saturday 27th July. The Knights got first use of the stiff breeze and we able to capitalise early with Marcus Bontempelli kicking a couple of long goals from outside 50 and Jayden Short able to score a major as well. The Falcons steadied late in the term but were able to manage one goal and when Josh Turner scored another for the Knights just before quarter time the margin was out to 17 points. The Falcons then proceeded to dominate play in the second quarter with James Tsitas and Lewis Taylor rampant in the midfield, however wasted opportunities inside 50 cost them. A Ben Lennon goal mid way through the term broke things up for the Knights and the teams went into half time interval deadlocked at 34 points apiece. The Knights were quick out of the blocks after half time with Jason Castagna lively in the forward line scoring a couple goals and Garrett McDonagh sweeping down from half back and putting through another. Northern then suffered a mid quarter slump and allowed the Falcons back into the match with some sloppy play. Geelong was then able to kick the next four goals and reduce the margin to back under goal heading into time on. Another surge by the Knights this time with goals to Kyle Langford, Jayden Short and Under 16 player Kieran Malone gave us a 19 point lead with a quarter to play. Geelong got off to a fast start coming home with the wind and had registered goals within the opening 90 seconds of the final quarter. Northern was then able to compose themselves and with some excellent ball movement stem the tide and only allow one more goal to their opponents while Sam Switkowski added one for the Knights. In the end the Knights held for the win and sees them move up into seventh spot on the TAC Cup ladder. Josh Turner played a great negating role on Lewis Taylor after half time and was still able to collect a lot of possessions himself through the midfield. Along with Ben Lennon, Marcus Bontempelli & Jake Kalanj were prolific ball winners while Garret McDonagh provided great run off half back and Josh Iacobaccio was solid in defence. This Sunday 4th August the Northern Knights take on Gippsland Power in the second match of a TAC Cup double header at Preston City Oval. The Knights will be hoping to continue their unbeaten record at Preston City Oval this season and with only six points separating 3rd and 9th of the TAC Cup ladder this is another hugely important match for the Knights 2013 finals chances.
Last Modified on 30/07/2013 17:12