The Cygnet Football Club took the long road trip to Boyer Oval last Saturday to face the very strong New Norfolk side in the final home and away match of the 2011 season.
The Colts kicked off proceedings in fine weather on a ground that was generally in good condition, but a little soft underfoot in places. The boy’s were short on numbers and it did not take long for the young Eagles to make their impression on the game. By half time they held a commanding 69 point lead over the Port youngsters who were putting up a brave fight. A twelve goal to nil final half sealed a big 147 point victory for the New Norfolk side that were also playing with plenty of emotion out of respect for their young team mate who tragically drowned recently.
Better players included Aaron Dance and Tom Slevin who finished the season strongly while Corey Shaw defended well and Tyler Cowen, Josh Doyle and Josh Dare all tried hard. Matty Coulson kicked the Ports only goal for the game.
Well done to Sam & the boy’s for never giving up despite not winning a game for the season. The boy’s have to be admired for the persistence and their development during the season has been noticeable. If the Colt’s thought the going was tough, there was worse to come for ....
....the Reserves. Barely finding sufficient numbers to field a side, and having to double up some Colt’s, it was always going to potentially be a long day at the office. Losing Josh Cowen in the first 5 minutes had the Port down to one player on the bench, but the Port was still keen to get a good start. The New Norfolk side was in no mood for leniency though, and bolted out of the blocks with a five goal to nil first term. The Port were not prepared to run or be accountable, however their endeavour and tackling was quite good in contested situations.
The Eagles held a 70 point lead at the long break. The second half was more of the same, and a 12 goal to 2 scoreline delivered the Eagles a massive 136 point victory in a bad loss for the Port.
Better players included Craig Phillips who had plenty of the football while Captain Tim Bone tried all day to lift his side. Young Colt Sam Cook was given a shut down role and did it to perfection while Vorne Graham ran hard all day. Rohan Gudden and Jarrah Allan continued their good form. Jamie Direen with 2 goals (both on his left foot) was the sides major goal-kicker in a disappointing end to what was an improved season.
The side lost three to four winnable games and finished seventh, so they could have easily been playing in the finals.
The senior match started with the Port looking the better side with slick ball movement and applying plenty of pressure on the Eagles all over the ground to hold a slender lead at quarter time.
The second term was again fairly even but late goals let the Eagles back into the match to hold a 1 goal lead at the long break. Coach Tyrrell impressed upon his charges that they were playing the better football and the stats backed this up.
A rejuvenated New Norfolk side re-emerged after the break and a 6 goal to 1 term broke the game open. The Port never gave in, but the class of the Eagles prevailed and with Thompson kicking 11 goals at full forward, they eventually won the match by 80 points.
Better players included Bradley Watson who racked numerous possessions while Will Ford was very good again in the backline. Jacob Brereton rucked really well after being called up from Reserves and Adam Duggan repelled many of the Eagles attacks. Mark Fenton and Ben Free were also good contributors. The major goal-kicker was Ben Halton with 4.
Coach Matt Smith praised the Cygnet boy’s for a tough hit-out after the match. We always appreciate the hospitality we are shown at Boyer and in the Clubrooms – thanks fellas!
COLTS
First quarter Cygnet 0.0 0 New Norfolk
Second quarter Cygnet 1.0 6 New Norfolk 12.3 75
Third quarter Cygnet 1.2 8 New Norfolk 19.7 121
Final Score Cygnet 1.2 8 New Norfolk 24.9 153
Match Synopsis .... like many colts games this year, a lot of effort around the ground unrewarded by a forward line which finds goals hard to structure.
...................................................
RESERVES
First quarter Cygnet 0.0 0 New Norfolk 5.6 36
Second quarter Cygnet 1.1 7 New Norfolk 11.11 77
Third quarter Cygnet 1.1 7 New Norfolk 16.14 110
Final Score Cygnet 3.1 19 New Norfolk 23.17 155
Match Synopsis .... a better game than the scoreboard suggested with the usual good performances by Tim and Craig, with Rohan Gudden and Sammy Cook continuing to impress.
...................................................
SENIORS
First quarter Cygnet 3.0 18 New Norfolk 2.4 16
Second quarter Cygnet 6.3 39 New Norfolk 7.7 45
Third quarter Cygnet New Norfolk
Final Score Cygnet 9.3 57 New Norfolk 21.11 137
Match Synopsis .... despite a final 80 point deficit, this game had a 'coming of age" aspect where we matched a very good unit all day. Well done guys.. you finished the year in style.
...................................................