The Courier |
Sewell's exceptional work rate helped stave off a Beaufort side that repeatedly threatened to run away with the game, while Taylor kicked three goals in the final term to extinguish the Crows' hopes.
NEWLYN 9.10 (64)
BEAUFORT 8.10 (58)
BEAUFORT'S troubled start to the season continued on the weekend, as the Crows narrowly lost to Newlyn by one goal.
Individual brilliance from Cats' skipper Adam Sewell and small forward Anthony Taylor prevented Beaufort from claiming its first win of the Central Highlands Football League season, leaving the Crows with their fifth-straight loss.
Beaufort was within five points late in the fourth quarter and appeared set for a fairytale finish, but a subsequent clearance and score from Newlyn held the Crows off .
It was a shattering defeat for Beaufort, which played like a team desperate to get a win on the board. Its chasing, tackling and contested ball was relentless, but ultimately not enough to produce a victory.
A relieved Sewell said the Crows gave his team a big scare.
"They (the Crows) were pretty desperate today," he said.
"They showed us how to attack the footy. In the end, we just managed to do enough to get the four points."
Whereas the Cats made the most of limited opportunities, Beaufort struggled to make its chances count.
This was evident in the second term, when the Crows had multiple opportunities to extend their lead but failed to hit targets up forward.
Newlyn was quick to pounce on Beaufort's turnovers and soon hit the front, a position it held for the rest of the game.
The 13th-placed Cats will now look to build on the victory when it comes up against an impressive Gordon outfit next round.
Defenders Matthew Cosgrave and Tim Buby were both excellent for the Cats, as was wingman Earl Cody.
Though Crows' coach Louis Franc was disappointed about the loss, he couldn't help but praise the efforts of his players.
"The boys worked hard and had a real crack," he said. "They did everything but get the win."
Beaufort's chances of making finals this season are fading, making next round's clash against Clunes all the more important.
Daniel O'Kelly and Lachlan Murray were both industrious in the Crows' midfield, while veteran Aaron Bones illustrated his class in patches.
