http://www.neafl.com.au/index.php?id=3
by Sam Canavan
Aspley leap-frogged Redland into fourth spot on the NEAFL ladder with a hard fought 16 point victory to mark Reece Toye’s 100th game for the club in an absorbing encounter at Graham Road.
After a sloppy first half that saw both sides struggle with the gusting breeze, Aspley opened up the game with a dominant five goal to one third quarter, with Jack Stanley dominant across half-forward.
However, Redland closed quickly to within 10 points as Cleve Hughes looked to lift his side to an improbable win with four last quarter goals, but it was his namesake Adam Hughes for the Hornets who lifted to kick two vital goals that sealed the win.
The win was a perfect tribute for Aspley junior, Toye, who was able to celebrate his 100th game in style as Aspley recorded their most important victory of the season.
While Toye’s output was below his usual high standard, it was the midfield duo of Matt Payne and Ryan Matthews who filled the void, with both superb at the stoppages throughout the game.
Stanley (five goals) was also terrific, as he took advantage of an under-sized Redland back six to be a constant danger up forward.
For Redland, Andrew Scott was terrific in the midfield throughout the game, while Brad Howard ignited his side when he was moved from half-back to the midfield in the second half.
Paul Hunter was again colossal in the ruck as he battled against two of the form ruckman in the competition in Mitch Pettitt and Jed Turner as he looked to give his side the ascendancy in the middle.
But despite the four quarter efforts of his teammates, it was Hughes – who was well held by Michael Hutchinson for three quarters – who threatened to break the game open in the last quarter as he finished with six goals for the day.
Aspley head into the NEAFL representative weekend in fourth spot on the ladder with six wins on the trot, while Redland suffered their second loss of the season to slide one spot into fifth with a game in hand on the teams above them.
Last Modified on 16/06/2014 14:28