The Swans came out of the break flat as a biscuit, and the Eagles took advantage of a favourable wind and good defensive pressure to claw back into the match. The Swans defence struggled at times with quick ball coming into the Eagles forward fifty, and appeared to most lucky to snap a few goals to maintain a 17 point lead into the long break.
The third quarter was more of the same, with the Eagles pouring forward into the Swans backline. Some strong counter-attacks were lead from the back and saw the Swans kick enough goals to keep the game Eagles at arms length and 15 points behind into the final quarter.
The Eagles returned with the breeze and a clear intent to throw themselves into the last quarter. Across the park the Eagles were more committed to the ball, which saw them dominate possession and have numerous scoring opportunities. The young Swans forwards stepped up late in the quarter, with inaccurate kicking from the Eagles proving costly as the Swans did just enough to limp over the line in a less then flattering performance. In the end the Swans won by 9 from a very brave and unlucky Eagles.
Swans coach Lachlan ROWLINGS said after the match, "Today's was a very lackluster performance, but to win four points was a relief. This was our first away win for the season. Full credit must be given to the Eagles, who gave themselves every opportunity to win."
Bulldogs 14-16-100 def Cats 14-9-93
In what was an upset win to some, the Bulldogs outlasted the Cats at Wolsely Oval to post a much needed victory and hand the Cats their second straight defeat. In a see-sawing match where the lead changed several times there were some physical encounters in a match that was very important to both teams. The Bulldogs retained the Paul Reid Memorial Shield which is played each year between the two clubs in memory of the late Bulldogs coach Paul Reid. Last years match was decided by 4 points and this year the margin was 7 points.
The Bulldogs started well posting 5 goals, despite losing several players to injury in the first quarter. With a strong bench the Dogs were able to get on top and take a 22 point lead into the first break.
The Cats came storming back in the 2nd quarter, kicking 6 goals to the Dogs 2 goals. There were plenty of scoring opportunities for both teams across the park and the Cats forwards dominated possession in their end and kicked accurately to close the gap to actually lead going into the long break by 2 points.
The Dogs dug deep in the third quarter and wrestled the lead away from the Cats again, posting 3 majors to the Cats 2 to edge the home side ahead, coming into the last part of the game. At 3/4 time there was nothing in it, with Dogs holding a slender lead of 6 points.
The last quarter was a thriller. The Cats dominated possession early on and kicked two quick goals to lead by 5 points with about 15 minutes to go. After a couple of nearly very costly misses in front of goal, created by some excellent running play across the ground, the Dogs put on a surge of points to jump out a 21 point lead with 5 minutes to go. Goals to Brendan Lemon, Brad Condon and Farran Lamb all helped push the Dogs towards the line. In some tense moments including a couple of late penalties, the Cats kicked two more of their own as the clock wound down and the Dogs claimed the 4 points.
After surviving some heart stopping moments on the sidelines, Gunnedah coach Doug Garnett was ecstatic about the win, stating "It was a real grafting win and there were times I really thought we had let it slip away. To the boys credit they stuck to their guns and put the Cats away late in that final quarter"
Roos 19-22-136 def Nomads 8-5-53
In what many expected to be a much closer match, the Tamworth Roos trounced the visiting New England Nomads to the tune of 83 points at No.1 Oval in Tamworth. The home side were never headed, leading at every break. The Roos started well and put on 3 quick goals out of 10 scoring shots. The Nomads were restricted to a solitary goal for the first quarter. The Roos then proceeded to get on with the game, extending their lead but not kicking as accurately , with 2 goals from 9 scoring shots. The Nomads slotted 4 more goals in an accurate kicking display to only trail at the break by 26 points. This was a clsoe as it got, with the Roos surging in the 3rd quarter to boot 5 goals to the Nomads 2. They then followed that with a 7 goal demolition job in the final quarter to put the Nomads away, who could only manage a single goal in reply. This win has boosted the Roos to an equal points placing with the Nomads on the League Ladder and even though they are still slightly behind on %, they are breathing hard down the neck of the 3rd placed team.
LADDER
Pos |
Team |
P |
W |
D |
L |
B |
For |
Ag |
Pts |
PC |
1 |
Saints |
11 |
11 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1358 |
581 |
52 |
233.73 |
2 |
Cats |
11 |
8 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
1158 |
754 |
40 |
153.58 |
3 |
Nomads |
11 |
6 |
0 |
5 |
2 |
910 |
700 |
32 |
130.00 |
4 |
Kangaroos |
11 |
6 |
0 |
5 |
2 |
1017 |
891 |
32 |
114.14 |
5 |
Swans |
11 |
4 |
0 |
7 |
2 |
874 |
1141 |
24 |
76.60 |
6 |
Bulldogs |
12 |
3 |
0 |
9 |
1 |
837 |
1272 |
16 |
65.80 |
7 |
Eagles |
11 |
1 |
0 |
10 |
2 |
489 |
1316 |
12 |
37.16 |