CDHBU atoned for last season’s elimination at the hands of the Brock-Burrum Saints with a 22 point victory over the previously undefeated Saints at Burrumbuttock last Saturday.
Played in wintry conditions the Power started slowly in the first quarter before Alex Wallis kicked their first goal of the game at the 15 minute mark. After that, the Luke Cowan show began. Cowan, a former SANFL star with the Central Districts Bulldogs, went on a rampage that netted him 7 goals in little over one quarter of football. This allowed the Power, who were tied 3-3-21 a piece with the Saints at half time, to kick 6 unanswered goals in what many believe was the Power’s best quarter of football for some time. Kade Rowe, Brad Talbot, Josh Lewis and Nathan Rhodes provided plenty of supply to Cowan who took plenty of many contested marks. With Cowan on fire, the midfield contesting every possession with ferocity and Sean Hanrahan leading a tight defence, the Power stretched the lead to 38 points at the half. Cowan having 7 of the Power’s 9 first half goals.
After the break, the Saints came out hard and had it not been for some wasted efforts shooting for goals, should have been closer than 32 points at three quarter time. Tim Cooper was doing an outstanding job on Dean Murphy down back whilst the Power forwards suddenly had their supply drying up as the Saints continually pumped the ball forward. When coach, Damien Payne slotted his first goal against the flow of play the Power once again gave themselves some breathing space.
The last quarter remained a slog as the Saints continued to be wasteful up forward whilst some Power decision making under pressure left a little to be desired. Dean Murphy was beginning to find plenty of space up forward for the Saints as they pressed hard again for an unlikely comeback. Andrew Ollington was switched to a loose man in defence, popping up for some telling marks in the last quarter. Jack Wynne won plenty of contested possessions and when Corey Smith found his mojo in the last quarter and kicked the sealer the Power notched up their finest win for season.
The reserves continue their improvement but were no match for the Saints who are defending their premiership this year. The Power boys managed to control large portions of the game but had little to aim for up forward. Fitness also remains a query for the reserves boys but once they find that, they will get a few wins on the board. The Power back line found themselves under increasing pressure as the game wore on, however, Michael Linklater and Geoff Harvie were up for the battle. The reserves eventually lost by 55 points after remaining in touch up to half time. Ryan Rhodes had a strong game in the mid field whilst veteran Doug Lavis continued his great form. Ryan Mills had his best game for the season as he continues to gather match fitness and put his hand up for senior selection.
The Power thirds remain undefeated after they accounted for an undermanned Saints outfit by 51 points. The boys showed great sportsmanship by playing for the opposition which allowed for a very competitive game to be played. Tom Webb played a great game for the Power as did Cam Dutton and Kane Mills. Matt Baker is having best season to date and Jack Reid is proving a revelation. The Power now face some tough opposition over the next few weeks but with some players returning from injury and other commitments, they should be well placed to continue their great standard of football.
The fourths are in a rebuilding mode and lost their second game in succession to the Saints on Saturday. Despite being outsized, the Power remained in the contest all game and had a chance to steal victory but alas, fell short by 5 points. Cam Wilson was once again best for the Power whilst Brayden Curren and Deaken Clancy had solid games. Pat Lavis was lively up forward and gathered plenty of possessions. Sean Fischer won his position down at full back over a much larger opponent. Matt McDonald was a general across half back. There is plenty to be pleased about despite the loss with young players in Patty Lavis, Jake Coates and Ethan Hanrahan continuing their development. Unfortunately, with a large amount of players on the bench, not all kids will see game time. We apologise for this but once the chance presents itself, be assured your turn to run out onto the ground will come.
Awards: Seniors- Mug, Andrew Ollington; Lazy Sam’s meal voucher, Luke Cowan; Incentives, Sean Hanrahan and Jack Wynne; Club Six Pack, Tim Cooper
Reserves- Mug, Wade Thurling; Studio 104, Geoff Harvie; $25 club incentives, Ryan Mills, Madden Lohse, Sam Norman, Lachie Darby.
Thirds- Studio 104, Wil Johnston; Sports power, Jack Reid; Club meal award, Kane Mills; Ricky D’s, Can Dutton; Coaches award, Tom Webb; Barney’s award, Dame Mellotto.
Fourths- McFarlands Ag Spraying, Jake Coates; $5 awards, Matt McDonald, Patty Lavis, Sean Fischer, Ethan Hanrahan; Coaches award, Cam Wilson; Ricky D’s, Brayden Curren; Meat on the Murray, Bailey Minogue.
Could all supporters, players and sponsors please be reminded that this week’s game has been transferred to Henty.
Go Power!
Last Modified on 14/05/2015 13:15