The Courier |
BEAUFORT hung on against a disappointing Clunes to register its first win of the season by six points.
BEAUFORT 11.6 (72)
CLUNES 10.6 (66)
It was an arm wrestle up until half time; both teams' pressure was immense.
The Crows looked desperate to get four points on the board, especially after an embarrassing loss the week before to Gordon.
And the third quarter was the catalyst for the win.
Beaufort attacked and defended superbly, kicking four goals to Clunes' one.
The Magpies' pressure, which had been a great facet of their game last week and for the first half on Saturday, disappeared.
The winless Crows cashed in.
Forward Zane Thompson was important for the winners.
He provided the spark in that match-winning third quarter and finished with four goals.
His pressure and unselfish nature around the goals should also not go unoticed.
Beaufort will be unhappy with its last-quarter fade out.
The Crows' attacking play and relentless pressure on the ball carrier was left at the three-quarter-time huddle.
When they did get the ball they seemed to just want to hang on to it and save the game.
Beaufort thought it had done enough, but was sorely mistaken.
After an early last-quarter goal to Jake Garvey, which blew the margin out to a match-winning 35 points, Beaufort shut up shop. Clunes' guns started to get away from their opponents and Tylan Humm and Jason Hill were critical in getting the Magpies back in the game.
Some poor inside 50m decisions and some desperate defensive work from the Crows prevented Clunes from stealing the match.
Beaufort can take some confidence into its clash against Springbank after the interleague break, while Clunes can get back on the board when it travels to Gordon.
