Gippsland Times |
THE bitterly cold conditions did not affect Sale's teamwork and skill as it post another big score against Bairnsdale on Saturday night.
The Gippsland League leaders led by 69 points at half-time and could have been excused for taking their foot off the pedal, but went into another gear in the second half. The Magpies kicked 17 goals to four in the second half to win 28.16 (184) to 5.3 (33).
Night matches can often develop into low-scoring affairs with teams putting extra players in defence, but this did not happen as the two teams went on the attack. The standard was good with skills and open football the feature of the match.
The Magpies' depth has helped to cover the loss of coach Matt Ferguson, Shane Fyfe, Kane Martin, Brendon Rathnow and Adam Wallace.
Outstanding youngster Josh Dunkley, who was named the Magpies' best, was used in Martin's spot on the ball. Dunkley had plenty of the ball and his ball use set-up teammates, who quickly made position.
The Sale half-back line of Jordan Dessent, Chris Laverty and Ryan Pendlebury is the only line in the team which has remained in-tact since they came together early last season. Once again, they played great football, making every possession count.
Jacob Schuback, on the wing, and Justin McLay, on the forward flank, played on the same side of the ground and seemed to know exactly what each other was doing.
Jamie Sweeney once again led the tackling and hardball gets. The Magpies tackling this season has been a feature of their pressure and endeavour.
Mitch Davis and McLay kicked five goals each. Davis, who had a big pre-season, has taken his football to another level, kicking 15 goals in the past two matches.
Josh Barton was also good with four goals.
Young Nash Holmes kicked three goals, including a long one on the run.
Bairnsdale was rewarded for its persistence with four goals in the third term.
The Redlegs' best were ruckman Sam Nickless, Kane and Bayden Ashwood, who played on the ball, and defender Sam Park.
WONTHAGGI inflicted another large defeat on Moe, winning by 135 points.
Adam Cook kicked seven goals and Dominic O'Connor six as the Power won 29.12 (186) to 8.3 (51),
The match was effectively over by half-time with the home team leading by 71 points.
Tom Long and Ben Morrow for the Lions' best.
SIX unanswered goals in the third term set-up Warragul's 20-point win against Leongatha.
The Gulls led six points after a tight first half before their strong third quarter. They went on to win 14.7 (91) to 10.11 (71).
Mark Collison, Clinton Rowe and Matt Gray led the way for Warragul, while Marc Truscio was Leongatha's best.
MORWELL was too strong for Drouin, winning by 97 points, 23.13 (151) to 8.6 (54).
An eight-goal to one first term set the Tigers on their way before heading into half-time leading by 74 points. The Hawks did put in a better effort in the second half, but the damage had already been done.
Joel Soutar and Tim Ryan were the Tigers' best with Tim Phillips and Dean MacDonald kicking four goals each.
Drouin's best was Keegan Bott, who kicked three goals.
