NEAFL – Eastern Conference Round 2 wrap
Ainslie shut down by lively Labrador
Ainslie have suffered their first loss of the season as they try to go back to back in capturing the NEAFL Eastern Conference premiership.
Unfortunately for Ainslie, it appeared that everything was going to plan for the guests, with even the weather clearing to be almost northerly conditions.
From the first bounce, Labrador looked the goods, as a strong tag from Josh Cavanagh on Marcus Crook reduced the hosts scoring potential and drive forward.
Being on the backfoot instantly hurt the reigning Eastern Conference Premiers as Labrador’s Jake Goldsmith marked inside the 50, then converted all within the 1st minute of play. From that point on it was all one way traffic.
Tim Notting and Trent Knoble were able to get on the end of great delivery and kick four a piece, while hard running midfielders were able to stream into Ainslie backline almost untouched and getting plenty of shots on goal.
As was the extent of Ainslie bad day, that even basic skills such as chest marks sometimes appeared like monumental tasks as they were harassed and attacked at the fall of every ball. At times it appeared that their were two Labrador players at each contest for every one Ainslie man.
A similar sort of thing happened last year when Ainslie hosted Southport and from that point on they got better and better before narrowly going down to NT Thunder in the NEAFL Grand Final.
Looking at their playing list, which is only bolstered by the coaching talents of Chris Rourke, and knowing what happened last year, one would only expect a strong response this weekend against the Hills Eagles.
FINAL SCORE
Ainslie – 0.3 2.7 4.11 6.13-49
Labrador – 6.4 12.9 15.10 20.14-134
Queanbeyan make it two in a row
The Tigers remain undefeated in 2012 after a strong win away, defeating Hills Eagles by 23 points on Saturday afternoon.
It was a high scoring affair at Bruce Purser Reserve, with a combined total of 38 goals; yet Queanbeyan eventually ran out 141 to 118 point winners.
The Tigers jumped out to an early seven goals to five lead, with a free-flowing contest providing plenty of entertainment for the crowd.
Newly installed coach Kade Klemke was again impressive, with the 21 year old generating a lot of the Tigers’ forward 50 entries. James Kavanagh followed up on his round one form with a fantastic display up forward, nailing five goals.
To the Eagles credit they never gave in, with Ben Bourke and Rowan Bilkey shouldering the load through the centre of the ground, continually creating opportunities for their side, while Matthew Edwins kicked four goals in a great performance across the forward line.
Both sides will be able to take plenty out of the game, with 21 combined individual goal kickers between both teams, the sides won’t have to rely on big bags of goals from full forwards to kick a big score.
Next week the Eagles travel to Ainslie Oval to take on the Tri-colours while Queanbeyan have the bye.
FINAL SCORE
Hills Eagles 5.4 7.5 13.8 18.10(118)
Queanbeyan 7.8 11.13 18.16 20.21(141)
Eastlake add to the Hawks’ woes
Eastlake’s 2012 campaign kicked off in style with a 60 point victory over Tuggeranong at Greenway on Saturday night.
In the first twilight match of 2012, the Hawks trailed at every change to go down 135 to 75, the second consecutive week they have conceded over 20 goals.
Eastlake looked sharp and ready to go after coming off a round one bye, with Tuggeranong keen to atone after a heavy defeat at the hands of Queanbeyan.
Eastlake jumped out to an early lead, with a seven goals to three opening term that sealed the win, with the Hawks never able to reduce the margin to under four goals. The Demons had 11 individual goal kickers, but the standout was star forward Aaron Bruce, who was dominant with seven goals.
Ben Cleaver was again one of the best for the Hawks, doing the bulk of the work out of the centre and getting forward and kicking a goal himself.
However, the Demons had all the answers throughout the match and will be buoyed by the performance Ben Maiden and Mitch Frail.
Next week Tuggeranong face Belconnen at home April 6th while Eastlake make the travel to Sydney to take on the Sydney Hills Eagles on the 7th.
FINAL SCORE
Tuggeranong – 3.0 6.1 8.8 11.9(75)
Eastlake – 7.4 11.9 13.13 20.15(135)
Magpies down the Students in a tight contest
Belconnen got on the winners list for the first time in 2012 with a spirited win against Sydney University yesterday.
Despite trailing at half time the Magpies rallied in the second half to run away convincing winners 18.17(125) to the Students 14.15(99). It was Sydney Uni who jumped out of the blocks early against the Magpies, with a blistering six goals to three first quarter, stunning the visitors.
It took a quarter for Belconnen to work into the game, but after their slow start the Magpies worked their way back into the contest, restricting the Students to two goals while booting four of their own.
The final margin in the end belied what was an enthralling contest, with Belconnen’s superior conditioning and better second half ball use providing to be the difference in the end.
Crafty on-baller Shane Harris continued his wonderful start to the new season for Belconnen, dictating play forward of centre and chipping in for three goals of his own. Simon Curtis was the stand-out for the Magpies though, marshalling the backline, limiting the scoring opportunities of the Students and even getting forward and kicking a goal of his own.
Tim Barrett, who booted six goals for the home team was the only multiple goal kicker for the home team, singlehandedly keeping his side in the game. Josh Cole was also industrious for the Students, winning his own ball and delivering the ball precisely to his teammates.
Both sides can take something out of the contest, with Matthew Lokan’s men getting the points and the Students fighting it out until the end.
Next week Belconnen travel to Greenway to take on the Hawks while the Students host Eastlake at Henson Park
FINAL SCORE
Sydney Uni 6.5 8.8 10.10 14.15(99)
Belconnen 3.5 7.10 11.15 18.17(125)
(Photo by Ben Southall)
