The Northern Knights have accomplished an unbeaten record at home this season after defeating the Gippsland Power by 35 points on Sunday 4th August. It was Knights sixth win from six matches at Preston City Oval this season. In the second match of a TAC Cup double header the match started under overcast skies with neither side able to gain an advantage in the opening quarter. An early snap goal from Jason Castagna opened the scoring but the power answered quickly. The knights were then able to add goals through Marcus Bontempelli and Jesse Tardio to take a one point lead into quarter time. The second term started much like first with an early goal to the Knights this time through Ciaran Porter but again there was a timely reply from Gippsland. Northern began to get on top in general play and were finally able to translate that some scoreboard impact just before half time with three late goals including two from captain Jake Kalanj. The Knight continued the trend of scoring early in the quarter with Castagna starting things off in third but after that the game became a real arm wrestle and both sides could only manage two goals each in term. In the final quarter Chas Bromley sprang to life with three goals and with majors to Ben Lennon and Jayden Short the Knights were able to see off the Powers comeback attempt and record a solid four quarter victory. Marcus Bontempelli led the way for the Knights in the midfield with 29 disposals while Liam Hunt was terrific running off the half back line setting up play with 32 disposals including 18 contested possessions. Matthew Haynes with 10 inside 50’s and 6 score assists was instrumental in the Knights movement into the forward and Ben Lennon and Jesse Tardio showed their class throughout the day. Up forward Jason Castagna was again lively with 3 goals from 6 shots while Bromley’s 3 in the last quarter helped seal the victory.
This weekend is a development for the TAC Cup so, the Northern Knights next match will be on Saturday 17th August at Eureka Stadium against the North Ballarat Rebels. The Knights who now sit in fifth spot are firmly entrenched in the top 8 with two rounds remaining and are setting their sights on the potential of a top 4 finish and double chance in the first week of the finals.
Last Modified on 07/08/2013 12:29