IN what was a very lopsided match the Coota Blues scored a percentage boosting win against the struggling Tuggeranong Hawks at Clarke oval last Saturday to the tune of 29 – 11 – 185 to 1 – 3 – 9.
In a match that started on a heavy field but in clear conditions the Blues took control of the contest in the first quarter kicking 11 goals to nothing before the rain came in the second term, making ball handling difficult for both sides and restricting what could have been a much bigger blowout.
With the match gone early the Hawks were not adverse to dropping multiple extra players back into defense crowding the Blues forward line but certainly not stopping goal opportunities for the home side.
Captain/Coach Luke Webb said he was pleased with the way his side adapted to the change in conditions.
“Even in the rain, we were still picking the ball up well and playing some pretty decent football,” he said.
“We were able to rotate pretty heavily in the first half and had a few injuries so we gave them a rest in the last quarter. Obviously Tuggeranong struggle with numbers so we applaud them for showing up and giving it their all.”
Webb again dominated proceedings finishing with six goals and a host of possessions in another clinical performance as he continues to gain match fitness and reach peak form. Michael Knagge roamed unmarked across the Blues half back line gaining possession at will using the ball particularly well in the heavy conditions with Steve Chant and Dylan McDermott also having a day out.
Second gamer James Dallas made a big impact on the match using his size to advantage finishing with four fine goals including a monster bomb from 60 metres. Up forward Chris Drum dominated also bagging four goals as did Sandy Maskell-Knight at full forward.
The Blues had winners all over the ground as they dominated every quarter with Joel Pearson, Matt Lieschke. John England and Liam Frilay all getting plenty of possession.
The Hawks only goal of the match came in the final term thanks to two fifty metre penalties from the Blues in what was a long day for the visitors.
Webb said his side can definitely expect a greater challenge in their next two games.
“We have got a big couple of weeks coming up,” he said.
“Ainslie away from home should be pretty tough and then we have Cooma who have a couple of pretty handy players so we will have to play well to get past them.”
Goals L Webb 6, S Maskell-Knight 4, J Dallas 4, C Drum 4, S Chant 3, R Miller 2, D McDermott 2, and J England, P Bird and J Pearson 1 each.
Best L Webb, M Knagge, S Chant, D McDermott, J Pearson, M Lieschke and J Dallas.
The Blues face a massive challenge at Ainslie Oval next Saturday against the 5th placed Saints.
Last Modified on 27/06/2014 11:04