| HARBOURSPORT |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
SYDNEY AFL ROUND 11 2010
Article and Photos by Michael Shillito
The 2010 season to date hasn’t gone the way Balmain Dockers had hoped. A new-look lineup, with several former AFL players on their books, had raised hopes that the Dockers would work their way up the ladder this year. But from the opening round, when they were belted by Sydney Uni, it was clear that there was some way to go to make the Dockers into genuine contenders. Further poor performances were to follow before they hit rock-bottom with a 200 point loss to East Coast and a shocking first half against North Shore that saw them already 100 points down before half time.
But gradually the Dockers began to lift, breaking through for wins against UNSW-ES and St George before another shocker against Sydney Uni threatened to undo their good work. And it was on the rebound from that performance against the Students that the Dockers took on Campbelltown at Blacktown Olympic Park.
The Blues had experienced a season of ups and downs, but a win against Pennant Hills last week saw them only outside the top 5 on percentage. And early on, it appeared the Blues were poised to do another demolition job on the Dockers.
From the opening minute, when James Bottin-Noonan converted a free from the boundary line, the Blues looked in control for the first 20 minutes. The clock had barely ticked into time-on when the Blues already had six goals on the board and the Dockers had only once taken the ball inside their 50 metre line. The Blues were doing the one-percenters; a brilliant smother from Ryan Bottin-Noonan and Matthew Moore running forward after delivering a pass to Ray Love to receive the ball back and goal on the run being examples of their early dominance. Even when Nick Davis broke the Docker drought shortly before the break, the Dockers still trailed by 32 points at quarter time and there was little evidence to suggest that a change in momentum would take place.
But whatever Balmain coach Nic Fosdike said at quarter time had the desired effect, and the game would change dramatically in the second term. Jason Saddington converted a set shot from 40 metres. Nick Davis was unable to take a mark, but a second effort resulted in another goal. The Blues attempted to drive the ball forward several times, but Rohan Bates and Nic Fosdike defused several attacks, sweeping across the half-back line. And Nick Davis was finding confidence. On 13 minutes the former Swans final hero shrugged a tackle to snap truly, and a minute later Tim Schmidt would deliver a pass to him to set up another. And when Dale Chivas ran over the mark and a 50 metre penalty was awarded, Adam Byrne took advantage to goal. The 39 point lead that the Blues held in the first term had now been wiped away, and still the Dockers would press.
By now the Dockers had confidence and would back themselves in contests. It didn’t always come off, but it worked often enough to change the momentum of the game. Chris Bolt, showing the pace of his Jamaican namesake, went for a run and after four bounces turned straight into a tackle and was pinged for holding the ball. But the Dockers regained possession, and moving the ball to the forward line found Nick Davis; and although the angle was too tight for Davis to gather possession, a knock-on to Ashlee Azhar gave the Dockers the lead. And on the stroke of half time, Davis marked and kicked his 5th.
Campbelltown did the early attacking in the third quarter. Ray Love and Luke Coughlan missed set shots; but although the Blues continued to attack, the Dockers stood their ground. Midway through the quarter, the Dockers were on top; after advantage was paid from a downfield free, enabling Azhar to run along the boundary to dribble a goal through and then Schmidt was paid a holding-the-ball free 40 metres out, to the protests of the Blues who believed the tackle was too low. But the free was paid and Schmidt converted, stretching the lead to 21 points.
But the Blues weren’t finished yet, and late in the quarter they would make another run. Owen Love marked and goaled, and at 22 minutes Dale Chivas received a 50 metre penalty. The Blues got the centre break, Keys going long to Sherwood but the mark was too hot to handle and the Dockers would hold on to take an 11 point lead into the last break. Could they hold on to deliver the upset, or would the Blues steady and regain the initiative to take the game?
The first goal would be of critical importance, and more so the longer the quarter went. Both sides created chances, but it took 12 minutes before either side could convert. And it was Campbelltown who would break the deadlock, Owen Love showing good vision to find a running Hugh Wells; the margin being back to 4 points.
There was tension in the air as the ball travelled end to end. Both sides had opportunities, neither could finish the job. But on 19 minutes, a throw-in on the pocket was gathered by James Howard and the Dockers scrambled a goal to give them some breathing space. And with the game in the balance, the Docker talls Jason Saddington and Janis Blums marked and goaled, to the embrace of their team-mates. The siren sounded, and the strains of the Balmain song rang out joyfully from the sheds.
Nick Davis kicked 5 for the Dockers, while Rohan Bates, Jerome Farrell and Janis Blums were among the Balmain best. Although still mathematically possible, it’s probably too late for Balmain to make a run for the finals this year; but with the recent improvements at Dockerland, and lessons learned from the early season woes, the future of the club may be looking brighter than it has for some time. For the Blues, Ryan Bottin-Noonan, David Wolfe and Hamish Sherwood worked hard all day; but it was a disappointing fadeout for the Blues after a promising start, and at a game plus percentage out of the finals it was a loss the Blues could ill afford.
North Shore have often found UNSW-ES to be a thorn in their side, and despite the Bombers having success through much of the last decade the Bulldogs had beaten the Bombers at least once every season since 2002; most notably the 2002 and 2003 grand finals. But, unless the Bulldogs make a late charge to make the finals (still mathematically possible) and take on the Bombers, that record comes to an end in 2010.
But the Bulldogs had a real dip early, scoring the first two goals of the game before the Bombers steadied to take the lead shortly before quarter time. But the second quarter was North Shore dominance, the Bulldogs being held scoreless and it was only some inaccurate finishing by the Bombers that kept the lead down to 49 points at the long break. The third term saw the Bombers again on top early; but the Bulldogs rallied in the closing stages of the quarter.
With the last four goals of the quarter, and the first in the final term, the margin had gone back within five goals and UNSW-ES held hopes of a miracle comeback win. But the Bombers steadied and with a few late goals extended the final winning margin to 50 points to move into the top 3. Jeremy Stiller, Adrian Harry and Chris Murphy were among the best for North Shore, while Brad Abbott, Ben Woods and Ben Kay were key contributors for the Bulldogs.
Pennant Hills have never lost to Wollongong, and that record remained intact despite a solid fighting effort from a determined Lions side at Ern Holmes Oval on Saturday. The Lions had been unlucky, going down by just a kick when the two sides played at North Dalton earlier in the season; and Lady Luck would again desert the Illawarra side as the Demons held the Lions out to record an 8-point victory.
The Lions got the early jump, with a 5-goal opening term to lead by 13 points at the first change and still led by 5 points at half time. The Lions were finding the form and confidence that has deserted them at times in 2010, playing solid football and contesting every possession with hopes high of pulling off an upset to get themselves off the bottom. But the premiership quarter went the way of the home side, the Demons scoring 5 goals to 2 to take the lead. And with their place in the top 5 up for grabs, the Demons hung on for dear life in the last term.
Wollongong threw everything at Pennant Hills in the last term, looking for an opening to pull off what would have been a special victory. But the Demons held firm, and although the Lions won the final quarter it wasn’t by enough to steal the game.
Anthony Brawn moved forward to return a bag of 4 goals for the game; while Jake Trestrail, Kieran Wright and Tom Angel were also prominent contributors for the Demons. For Wollongong, Sam Dowling, Mitchell Hogan and Michael Dombroski were hard workers all day. The result maintains Pennant Hills’ position in the top 5, while the unlucky Wollongong’s second win for the season remains elusive.
East Coast Eagles are top of the ladder with an imposing percentage, and that was lifted even more after the Eagles recorded a comprehensive 90-point win over St George at Bruce Purser on Saturday night.
Every quarter was more dominant than the last, as the Eagles showed themselves able to lift up another gear and leave the opposition in their wake. The Eagles led by 7 points at quarter time, and by half time that lead had extended to 30. It was 6 goals to 2 in the third term, and 6 unanswered in the last, as East Coast comprehensively outplayed their Dragon counterparts over all parts of the field.
Peter Dugmore, playing against his old club, was the key forward destroyer with 4 goals, but the Eagles were able to find plenty of attacking options. Daniel Spiteri, Michael Clinch and Ryan Silvester were the best for the Eagles, but there weren’t many of them who lowered their colours on the night. It was a disappointing night for St George, but Andrew Herne, Rod Craig and Tim Addison battled hard all night. The result sees the Eagles remain on top, their percentage now well over 200; while St George remain winless since their 4-match streak came to an end and needing a spark to re-start their 2010 campaign.
A spot in the top 3 was up for grabs when Wests took on Sydney Uni. With work to redevelop Picken Oval taking longer than originally expected, the match was moved to Henson Park, and the match turned out to be a cracker of a contest. It was a low-scoring war of attrition early, with the Students taking a 6-point lead to quarter time; but the Students took the upper hand in the second term. Four unanswered goals blew the margin out to 35 points at the long break, the University side seemingly in control.
With a battle on their hands to get back into the contest, the Magpies threw caution to the wind in the third term. It was high-scoring as the Magpies scored five goals for the quarter but leaked four goals to Sydney Uni. But the Students, although well ahead, were tiring; and the Magpies came home strongly. Five goals to two cut the margin to less than two goals, and they continued to press hard. But the Students held on to take the valuable four points and third place on the ladder, extending their winning streak to 7 matches.
David Mitchell, Ben Mankarious and Tim Barton were prominent ball-winners for the Students; while for Wests, Ben Absolum took responsibility for goal-kicking during the Magpies’ second half comeback to land a bag of 6, with Marcus Linsen and Joel Minichiello also key contributors.
Balmain Dockers 1.2 8.6 10.8 13.11 (89)
Campbelltown 6.4 6.7 8.9 9.12 (66)
Goals : Balmain – N Davis 5, A Azhar 2, J Saddington 2, J Blums, J Howard, A Byrne, T Schmidt. Campbelltown – J Bottin-Noonan 2, L Coughlan, H Wells, M Edwins, M Moore, O Love, M Keys, D Chivas.
Best : Balmain – R Bates, J Farrell, J Blums, C Bolt, T Stevens, T Schmidt. Campbelltown – R Bottin-Noonan, D Wolfe, H Sherwood, D Chivas, J Bottin-Noonan, O Love.
At Blacktown Olympic Park, Sunday 27th June 2010.
North Shore 4.6 9.15 11.18 14.21 (105)
UNSW-ES 3.2 3.2 7.5 8.7 (55)
Goals : North Shore – S Carruthers 2, A Harry 2, R Grigg 2, P Brackin 2, A Lowes 2, E Davis 2, C King, L Pryor. UNSW-ES – E Shaw 3, B Abbott 2, L Lavery, B Roberts, B Woods.
Best : North Shore – J Stiller, A Harry, C Murphy, E Davis, N Egan, B Clarke. UNSW-ES – B Abbott, B Woods, B Kay, T Luff, E Shaw, T Garrett.
At Gore Hill Oval, Saturday 26th June 2010.
Pennant Hills 3.1 7.4 12.5 14.9 (93)
Wollongong 5.2 8.3 10.5 13.7 (85)
Goals : Pennant Hills – A Brawn 4, N Bills 2, A Crisfield, R Dawe, A Duncan, B Jack, M Aitken, T Angel, J Trestrail, N Wright. Wollongong – S Dowling 3, S Dennis 3, J Weavers 2, N Kenny 2, T Bartlett, S Morgan, M Thomson.
Best : Pennant Hills – J Trestrail, K Wright, T Angel, N Wright, J Gourley, A Crisfield. Wollongong – S Dowling, M Hogan, M Dombroski, D O’Keefe, J Weavers, K Ewen-Chappell.
At Ern Holmes Oval, Saturday 26th June 2010.
East Coast Eagles 2.4 6.9 12.11 18.14 (122)
St George 1.3 2.3 4.4 4.8 (32)
Goals : East Coast – P Dugmore 4, D Bowles 3, S O’Connor 3, D Killworth, R Silvester, T Baker, D Costello, D Spiteri, B Rogers, M Clinch. St George – J Shineberg, S Wilsen, B Addison, B Guthrie.
Best : East Coast – D Spiteri, M Clinch, R Silvester, D Bowles, P Dugmore, S O’Connor. St George – A Herne, R Craig, T Addison, P Sain, S Demir, B Guthrie.
At Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 26th June 2010.
Sydney University 2.1 6.7 10.7 12.8 (80)
Western Suburbs 1.1 1.2 5.6 10.10 (70)
Goals : Sydney Uni – M Egan 3, S Crichton 2, J Lawson 2, T Roberts, B Mankarious, J McIntyre, T Elkington, A Lee. Wests – B Absolum 6, R Lilly, M Lemme, M Kassem, M Eurell.
Best : Sydney Uni – D Mitchell, B Mankarious, T Barton, J McIntyre, T Elkington, M Thompson. Wests – M Linsen, J Minichiello, B Absolum, R Lilly, E Kassem, M Kassem.
At Henson Park, Sunday 27th June 2010.
Black - Confirmed finallists
Green - Currently in the top 5 or 4.
Blue - Out of the finals currently, but still in mathematical contention.
Purple - Non-finallists
Red - If the season ended now, would be relegated.
First Division:
Pennant Hills 16.11 (107) d Wollongong 4.4 (28)
North Shore 15.13 (103) d UNSW-ES 6.5 (41)
Macquarie Uni 15.17 (107) d East Coast Eagles 5.2 (32)
UTS 9.6 (60) d Manly-Warringah 5.9 (39)
Sydney Uni 15.12 (102) d Western Suburbs 0.2 (2)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – UTS (81.82, 234.86%), Sydney Uni (81.82, 172.44%), Manly-Warringah (80, 158.78%), Macquarie Uni (72.73, 169.12%), North Shore (63.64, 143.02%), East Coast (36.36, 84.77%), Pennant Hills (36.36, 74.70%), Wollongong (18.18, 56.77%), Western Suburbs (18.18, 41.08%), UNSW-ES (10, 50.66%).
Second Division:
NorWest Jets 20.5 (125) d St George 7.10 (52)
UTS 14.11 (95) d Manly-Warringah 4.15 (39)
Holroyd-Parramatta 28.16 (184) d UNSW-ES 5.4 (34)
Southern Power 23.15 (153) d Sydney Uni 0.4 (4)
Balmain Dockers 10.11 (71) d Camden 6.14 (50)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Southern Power (100, 351.42%), UTS (90.91, 201.72%), Holroyd-Parramatta (72.73, 161.82%), NorWest (54.55, 131.92%), Sydney Uni (54.55, 88.34%), Balmain (36.36, 65.62%), Camden (30, 54.90%), St George (27.27, 76.35%), Manly-Warringah (20, 58.22%), UNSW-ES (9.09, 42.08%).
Third Division:
UTS 8.17 (65) d Pennant Hills 2.4 (16)
Macquarie Uni 13.11 (89) d East Coast Eagles 8.9 (57)
Penrith 15.21 (111) d Holroyd-Parramatta 4.3 (27)
Southern Power 10.13 (73) d Sydney Uni 8.3 (51)
Moorebank Sports 21.12 (138) d Campbelltown 3.9 (27)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Moorebank Sports (90.91, 273.46%), Penrith (72.73, 187.37%), Southern Power (72.73, 140.68%), UTS (63.64, 146.71%), Macquarie Uni (63.64, 118.93%), East Coast (50, 119.23%), Campbelltown (36.36, 58.14%), Sydney Uni (20, 54.71%), Holroyd-Parramatta (18.18, 40.88%), Pennant Hills (9.09, 44.04%).
Fourth Division:
UTS 14.8 (92) d Manly-Warringah 9.7 (61)
Penrith 18.15 (123) d Holroyd-Parramatta 3.2 (20)
Sydney Uni 12.11 (83) d Southern Power 5.10 (40)
Moorebank Sports 13.15 (93) d Camden 4.1 (25)
Mac Uni Warriors 11.12 (78) d UNSW-ES 6.9 (45)
NorWest Jets 12.7 (79) d Mac Uni Kookas 3.5 (23)
Auburn 22.14 (146) d Saints AFC 8.11 (59)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Auburn (100, 335.15%), Moorebank Sports (72.73, 262.84%), Mac Uni Warriors (72.73, 239.51%), Penrith (72.73, 106.74%), Saints AFC (63.64, 156.26%), Manly-Warringah (60, 170.87%), UTS (54.55, 159.01%), Sydney Uni (54.55, 120.26%), NorWest (54.55, 78.06%), Mac Uni Kookas (30, 34.08%), Southern Power (20, 59.35%), Camden (20, 51.14%), UNSW-ES (18.18, 50.69%), Holroyd-Parramatta (0, 12.75%).
Under 18s Premier:
North Shore 21.9 (135) d UNSW-ES 8.3 (51)
East Coast Eagles 18.9 (117) d St George 9.5 (59)
Sydney Uni 21.12 (138) d Western Suburbs 6.8 (44)
St Ignatius Riverview d Campbelltown - forfeit
Ladder (Match Ratio) – North Shore (87.5, 181.68%), Sydney Uni (77.78, 223.37%), East Coast (75, 206.58%), Pennant Hills (66.67, 181.01%), St George (62.5, 104.09%), St Ignatius Riverview (55.56, 127.52%), UNSW-ES (30, 69.75%), Wests (30, 64.17%), Wollongong (28.57, 73.07%), Campbelltown (0, 8.59%).
Under 18s Challenge:
Penrith 27.16 (178) d Holroyd-Parramatta 4.4 (28)
Southern Power 11.11 (77) d Manly-Warringah 8.9 (57)
Macquarie Uni 11.9 (75) d East Coast Eagles 5.8 (38)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Penrith (100, 829.17%), Southern Power (77.78, 179.13%), Holroyd-Parramatta (44.44, 87.95%), Manly-Warringah (44.44, 78.31%), Macquarie Uni (37.5, 50.76%), Moorebank Sports (33.33, 79.19%), East Coast (20, 43.99%).
THE RUN HOME
It’s still mathematically possible for every team to make the finals, although for Wollongong, UNSW-ES and Balmain it would take a freak set of results.
East Coast Eagles remain top, on percentage ahead of Sydney Uni. North Shore and Wests are a game behind, but the Bombers have a better percentage than Sydney Uni. Another two games separate the Bombers and the Magpies from fifth placed Pennant Hills, who is a further game plus percentage clear of Campbelltown. St George are a further game behind, but their poor percentage means time is running out if they want to remain with a realistic crack at finals contention.
The remaining games this season for clubs in contention are:
East Coast (36, 208.88%) – Sydney Uni (Syd Uni No 1), Balmain (Bruce Purser), Wests (Henson), North Shore (Bruce Purser), Campbelltown (Monarch), Wollongong (Bruce Purser), Pennant Hills (Ern Holmes).
Sydney Uni (36, 149.69%) – East Coast (Syd Uni No 1), North Shore (Gore Hill), Pennant Hills (Sydney Uni No 1), UNSW-ES (Syd Uni No 1), Wollongong (North Dalton), Campbelltown (Syd Uni No 1), St George (Olds).
North Shore (32, 171.33%) – St George (Olds), Sydney Uni (Gore Hill), Balmain (Drummoyne), East Coast (Bruce Purser), Wests (Blacktown), Pennant Hills (Gore Hill), Campbelltown (Blacktown).
Wests (32, 144.02%) – Balmain (Drummoyne), Campbelltown (Monarch), East Coast (Henson), Pennant Hills (Blacktown), North Shore (Blacktown), UNSW-ES (Henson), Wollongong (North Dalton).
Pennant Hills (24, 112.34%) – UNSW-ES (Ern Holmes), St George (Ern Holmes), Sydney Uni (Sydney Uni No 1), Wests (Blacktown), Balmain (Ern Holmes), North Shore (Gore Hill), East Coast (Ern Holmes).
Campbelltown (20, 82.03%) – Wollongong (North Dalton), Wests (Monarch), UNSW-ES (Village Green), St George (Olds), East Coast (Monarch), Sydney Uni (Syd Uni No 1), North Shore (Blacktown).
St George (16, 70.20%) – North Shore (Olds), Pennant Hills (Ern Holmes), Wollongong (Blacktown), Campbelltown (Olds), UNSW-ES (Village Green), Balmain (Blacktown), Sydney Uni (Olds).
Balmain (12, 49.34%) – Wests (Drummoyne), East Coast (Bruce Purser), North Shore (Drummoyne), Wollongong (Drummoyne), Pennant Hills (Ern Holmes), St George (Blacktown), UNSW-ES (Village Green) .
UNSW-ES (8, 67.84%) – Pennant Hills (Ern Holmes), Wollongong (North Dalton), Campbelltown (Village Green), Sydney Uni (Syd Uni No 1), St George (Village Green), Wests (Henson), Balmain (Village Green).
Wollongong (4, 66.31%) – Campbelltown (North Dalton), UNSW-ES (North Dalton), St George (Blacktown), Balmain (Drummoyne), Sydney Uni (North Dalton), East Coast (Bruce Purser), Wests (North Dalton).
NEXT WEEK’S FIXTURES (Lurker’s Kiss of Death in bold):
Saturday 3rd July
Drummoyne Oval – Balmain Dockers v Western Suburbs (2:10pm)
North Dalton Oval – Wollongong v Campbelltown (2:10pm)
Olds Park – St George v North Shore (2:10pm)
Ern Holmes Oval – Pennant Hills v UNSW-ES (2:30pm)
Sydney Uni No 1 – Sydney University v East Coast Eagles (4:10pm)
First Division:
Saturday 3rd July
North Dalton Oval – Wollongong v UTS (12pm)
Ern Holmes Oval – Pennant Hills v UNSW-ES (12:30pm)
Sydney Uni No 1 – Sydney University v East Coast Eagles (2pm)
Pittwater No 6 – Manly-Warringah v Western Suburbs (2:30pm)
University Oval – Macquarie Uni v North Shore (4:30pm)
Second Division:
Saturday 3rd July
Village Green – UNSW-ES v UTS (10:30am)
Olds Park – St George v Holroyd-Parramatta (12pm)
Pittwater No 6 – Manly-Warringah v Balmain Dockers (12:30pm)
Bensons Lane – NorWest Jets v Southern Power (2:10pm)
Henson Park – Sydney University v Camden (2:10pm)
Third Division:
Saturday 3rd July
Bruce Purser Oval – East Coast Eagles v Moorebank Sports (10am)
Ern Holmes Oval – Pennant Hills v Southern Power (10:30am)
Henson Park – Sydney University v Campbelltown (12pm)
University Oval – Macquarie Uni v Southern Power (12:30pm)
Greygums Oval – Penrith v UTS (2:10pm)
Fourth Division:
Saturday 3rd July
Henson Park – Sydney Uni v UNSW-ES (10am)
Pittwater No 6 – Manly-Warringah v Moorebank Sports (10:30am)
University Oval – Mac Uni Kookas v Holroyd-Parramatta (10:30am)
Bensons Lane – NorWest Jets v Southern Power (12pm)
Greygums Oval – Penrith v UTS (12pm)
Mona Park – Auburn v Camden (2:10pm)
University Oval – Mac Uni Warriors v Saints AFC (2:30pm)
Under 18s Premier:
Saturday 3rd July
Ern Holmes Oval – Pennant Hills v UNSW-ES (8:30am)
North Dalton Oval – Wollongong v Campbelltown (10am)
Olds Park – St George v North Shore (10am)
Drummoyne Oval – Western Suburbs v St Ignatius Riverview (12pm)
Sydney Uni No 1 – Sydney University v East Coast Eagles (7pm)
Under 18s Challenge:
Saturday 3rd July
Pittwater No 6 – Manly-Warringah v Moorebank Sports (8:30am)
University Oval – Macquarie Uni v Holroyd-Parramatta (8:30am)
Greygums Oval – Penrith v Southern Power (10am)
East Coast Eagles has the bye.
Article and Photos by Michael Shillito
The 2010 season to date hasn’t gone the way Balmain Dockers had hoped. A new-look lineup, with several former AFL players on their books, had raised hopes that the Dockers would work their way up the ladder this year. But from the opening round, when they were belted by Sydney Uni, it was clear that there was some way to go to make the Dockers into genuine contenders. Further poor performances were to follow before they hit rock-bottom with a 200 point loss to East Coast and a shocking first half against North Shore that saw them already 100 points down before half time.
But gradually the Dockers began to lift, breaking through for wins against UNSW-ES and St George before another shocker against Sydney Uni threatened to undo their good work. And it was on the rebound from that performance against the Students that the Dockers took on Campbelltown at Blacktown Olympic Park.
The Blues had experienced a season of ups and downs, but a win against Pennant Hills last week saw them only outside the top 5 on percentage. And early on, it appeared the Blues were poised to do another demolition job on the Dockers.
From the opening minute, when James Bottin-Noonan converted a free from the boundary line, the Blues looked in control for the first 20 minutes. The clock had barely ticked into time-on when the Blues already had six goals on the board and the Dockers had only once taken the ball inside their 50 metre line. The Blues were doing the one-percenters; a brilliant smother from Ryan Bottin-Noonan and Matthew Moore running forward after delivering a pass to Ray Love to receive the ball back and goal on the run being examples of their early dominance. Even when Nick Davis broke the Docker drought shortly before the break, the Dockers still trailed by 32 points at quarter time and there was little evidence to suggest that a change in momentum would take place.
But whatever Balmain coach Nic Fosdike said at quarter time had the desired effect, and the game would change dramatically in the second term. Jason Saddington converted a set shot from 40 metres. Nick Davis was unable to take a mark, but a second effort resulted in another goal. The Blues attempted to drive the ball forward several times, but Rohan Bates and Nic Fosdike defused several attacks, sweeping across the half-back line. And Nick Davis was finding confidence. On 13 minutes the former Swans final hero shrugged a tackle to snap truly, and a minute later Tim Schmidt would deliver a pass to him to set up another. And when Dale Chivas ran over the mark and a 50 metre penalty was awarded, Adam Byrne took advantage to goal. The 39 point lead that the Blues held in the first term had now been wiped away, and still the Dockers would press.
By now the Dockers had confidence and would back themselves in contests. It didn’t always come off, but it worked often enough to change the momentum of the game. Chris Bolt, showing the pace of his Jamaican namesake, went for a run and after four bounces turned straight into a tackle and was pinged for holding the ball. But the Dockers regained possession, and moving the ball to the forward line found Nick Davis; and although the angle was too tight for Davis to gather possession, a knock-on to Ashlee Azhar gave the Dockers the lead. And on the stroke of half time, Davis marked and kicked his 5th.
Campbelltown did the early attacking in the third quarter. Ray Love and Luke Coughlan missed set shots; but although the Blues continued to attack, the Dockers stood their ground. Midway through the quarter, the Dockers were on top; after advantage was paid from a downfield free, enabling Azhar to run along the boundary to dribble a goal through and then Schmidt was paid a holding-the-ball free 40 metres out, to the protests of the Blues who believed the tackle was too low. But the free was paid and Schmidt converted, stretching the lead to 21 points.
But the Blues weren’t finished yet, and late in the quarter they would make another run. Owen Love marked and goaled, and at 22 minutes Dale Chivas received a 50 metre penalty. The Blues got the centre break, Keys going long to Sherwood but the mark was too hot to handle and the Dockers would hold on to take an 11 point lead into the last break. Could they hold on to deliver the upset, or would the Blues steady and regain the initiative to take the game?
The first goal would be of critical importance, and more so the longer the quarter went. Both sides created chances, but it took 12 minutes before either side could convert. And it was Campbelltown who would break the deadlock, Owen Love showing good vision to find a running Hugh Wells; the margin being back to 4 points.
There was tension in the air as the ball travelled end to end. Both sides had opportunities, neither could finish the job. But on 19 minutes, a throw-in on the pocket was gathered by James Howard and the Dockers scrambled a goal to give them some breathing space. And with the game in the balance, the Docker talls Jason Saddington and Janis Blums marked and goaled, to the embrace of their team-mates. The siren sounded, and the strains of the Balmain song rang out joyfully from the sheds.
Nick Davis kicked 5 for the Dockers, while Rohan Bates, Jerome Farrell and Janis Blums were among the Balmain best. Although still mathematically possible, it’s probably too late for Balmain to make a run for the finals this year; but with the recent improvements at Dockerland, and lessons learned from the early season woes, the future of the club may be looking brighter than it has for some time. For the Blues, Ryan Bottin-Noonan, David Wolfe and Hamish Sherwood worked hard all day; but it was a disappointing fadeout for the Blues after a promising start, and at a game plus percentage out of the finals it was a loss the Blues could ill afford.
North Shore have often found UNSW-ES to be a thorn in their side, and despite the Bombers having success through much of the last decade the Bulldogs had beaten the Bombers at least once every season since 2002; most notably the 2002 and 2003 grand finals. But, unless the Bulldogs make a late charge to make the finals (still mathematically possible) and take on the Bombers, that record comes to an end in 2010.
But the Bulldogs had a real dip early, scoring the first two goals of the game before the Bombers steadied to take the lead shortly before quarter time. But the second quarter was North Shore dominance, the Bulldogs being held scoreless and it was only some inaccurate finishing by the Bombers that kept the lead down to 49 points at the long break. The third term saw the Bombers again on top early; but the Bulldogs rallied in the closing stages of the quarter.
With the last four goals of the quarter, and the first in the final term, the margin had gone back within five goals and UNSW-ES held hopes of a miracle comeback win. But the Bombers steadied and with a few late goals extended the final winning margin to 50 points to move into the top 3. Jeremy Stiller, Adrian Harry and Chris Murphy were among the best for North Shore, while Brad Abbott, Ben Woods and Ben Kay were key contributors for the Bulldogs.
Pennant Hills have never lost to Wollongong, and that record remained intact despite a solid fighting effort from a determined Lions side at Ern Holmes Oval on Saturday. The Lions had been unlucky, going down by just a kick when the two sides played at North Dalton earlier in the season; and Lady Luck would again desert the Illawarra side as the Demons held the Lions out to record an 8-point victory.
The Lions got the early jump, with a 5-goal opening term to lead by 13 points at the first change and still led by 5 points at half time. The Lions were finding the form and confidence that has deserted them at times in 2010, playing solid football and contesting every possession with hopes high of pulling off an upset to get themselves off the bottom. But the premiership quarter went the way of the home side, the Demons scoring 5 goals to 2 to take the lead. And with their place in the top 5 up for grabs, the Demons hung on for dear life in the last term.
Wollongong threw everything at Pennant Hills in the last term, looking for an opening to pull off what would have been a special victory. But the Demons held firm, and although the Lions won the final quarter it wasn’t by enough to steal the game.
Anthony Brawn moved forward to return a bag of 4 goals for the game; while Jake Trestrail, Kieran Wright and Tom Angel were also prominent contributors for the Demons. For Wollongong, Sam Dowling, Mitchell Hogan and Michael Dombroski were hard workers all day. The result maintains Pennant Hills’ position in the top 5, while the unlucky Wollongong’s second win for the season remains elusive.
East Coast Eagles are top of the ladder with an imposing percentage, and that was lifted even more after the Eagles recorded a comprehensive 90-point win over St George at Bruce Purser on Saturday night.
Every quarter was more dominant than the last, as the Eagles showed themselves able to lift up another gear and leave the opposition in their wake. The Eagles led by 7 points at quarter time, and by half time that lead had extended to 30. It was 6 goals to 2 in the third term, and 6 unanswered in the last, as East Coast comprehensively outplayed their Dragon counterparts over all parts of the field.
Peter Dugmore, playing against his old club, was the key forward destroyer with 4 goals, but the Eagles were able to find plenty of attacking options. Daniel Spiteri, Michael Clinch and Ryan Silvester were the best for the Eagles, but there weren’t many of them who lowered their colours on the night. It was a disappointing night for St George, but Andrew Herne, Rod Craig and Tim Addison battled hard all night. The result sees the Eagles remain on top, their percentage now well over 200; while St George remain winless since their 4-match streak came to an end and needing a spark to re-start their 2010 campaign.
A spot in the top 3 was up for grabs when Wests took on Sydney Uni. With work to redevelop Picken Oval taking longer than originally expected, the match was moved to Henson Park, and the match turned out to be a cracker of a contest. It was a low-scoring war of attrition early, with the Students taking a 6-point lead to quarter time; but the Students took the upper hand in the second term. Four unanswered goals blew the margin out to 35 points at the long break, the University side seemingly in control.
With a battle on their hands to get back into the contest, the Magpies threw caution to the wind in the third term. It was high-scoring as the Magpies scored five goals for the quarter but leaked four goals to Sydney Uni. But the Students, although well ahead, were tiring; and the Magpies came home strongly. Five goals to two cut the margin to less than two goals, and they continued to press hard. But the Students held on to take the valuable four points and third place on the ladder, extending their winning streak to 7 matches.
David Mitchell, Ben Mankarious and Tim Barton were prominent ball-winners for the Students; while for Wests, Ben Absolum took responsibility for goal-kicking during the Magpies’ second half comeback to land a bag of 6, with Marcus Linsen and Joel Minichiello also key contributors.
Balmain Dockers 1.2 8.6 10.8 13.11 (89)
Campbelltown 6.4 6.7 8.9 9.12 (66)
Goals : Balmain – N Davis 5, A Azhar 2, J Saddington 2, J Blums, J Howard, A Byrne, T Schmidt. Campbelltown – J Bottin-Noonan 2, L Coughlan, H Wells, M Edwins, M Moore, O Love, M Keys, D Chivas.
Best : Balmain – R Bates, J Farrell, J Blums, C Bolt, T Stevens, T Schmidt. Campbelltown – R Bottin-Noonan, D Wolfe, H Sherwood, D Chivas, J Bottin-Noonan, O Love.
At Blacktown Olympic Park, Sunday 27th June 2010.
North Shore 4.6 9.15 11.18 14.21 (105)
UNSW-ES 3.2 3.2 7.5 8.7 (55)
Goals : North Shore – S Carruthers 2, A Harry 2, R Grigg 2, P Brackin 2, A Lowes 2, E Davis 2, C King, L Pryor. UNSW-ES – E Shaw 3, B Abbott 2, L Lavery, B Roberts, B Woods.
Best : North Shore – J Stiller, A Harry, C Murphy, E Davis, N Egan, B Clarke. UNSW-ES – B Abbott, B Woods, B Kay, T Luff, E Shaw, T Garrett.
At Gore Hill Oval, Saturday 26th June 2010.
Pennant Hills 3.1 7.4 12.5 14.9 (93)
Wollongong 5.2 8.3 10.5 13.7 (85)
Goals : Pennant Hills – A Brawn 4, N Bills 2, A Crisfield, R Dawe, A Duncan, B Jack, M Aitken, T Angel, J Trestrail, N Wright. Wollongong – S Dowling 3, S Dennis 3, J Weavers 2, N Kenny 2, T Bartlett, S Morgan, M Thomson.
Best : Pennant Hills – J Trestrail, K Wright, T Angel, N Wright, J Gourley, A Crisfield. Wollongong – S Dowling, M Hogan, M Dombroski, D O’Keefe, J Weavers, K Ewen-Chappell.
At Ern Holmes Oval, Saturday 26th June 2010.
East Coast Eagles 2.4 6.9 12.11 18.14 (122)
St George 1.3 2.3 4.4 4.8 (32)
Goals : East Coast – P Dugmore 4, D Bowles 3, S O’Connor 3, D Killworth, R Silvester, T Baker, D Costello, D Spiteri, B Rogers, M Clinch. St George – J Shineberg, S Wilsen, B Addison, B Guthrie.
Best : East Coast – D Spiteri, M Clinch, R Silvester, D Bowles, P Dugmore, S O’Connor. St George – A Herne, R Craig, T Addison, P Sain, S Demir, B Guthrie.
At Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 26th June 2010.
Sydney University 2.1 6.7 10.7 12.8 (80)
Western Suburbs 1.1 1.2 5.6 10.10 (70)
Goals : Sydney Uni – M Egan 3, S Crichton 2, J Lawson 2, T Roberts, B Mankarious, J McIntyre, T Elkington, A Lee. Wests – B Absolum 6, R Lilly, M Lemme, M Kassem, M Eurell.
Best : Sydney Uni – D Mitchell, B Mankarious, T Barton, J McIntyre, T Elkington, M Thompson. Wests – M Linsen, J Minichiello, B Absolum, R Lilly, E Kassem, M Kassem.
At Henson Park, Sunday 27th June 2010.
| Played | Won | Draw | Lost | For | Agnst | Pts | %age | Strk | |
| East Coast Eagles | 11 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 1,341 | 642 | 36 | 208.88 | W5 |
| Sydney University | 11 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 1,219 | 831 | 36 | 149.69 | W7 |
| North Shore | 11 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 1,225 | 715 | 32 | 171.33 | W2 |
| Western Suburbs | 11 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 1,060 | 736 | 32 | 144.02 | L1 |
| Pennant Hills | 11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 901 | 802 | 24 | 112.34 | W1 |
| Campbelltown | 11 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 872 | 1,063 | 20 | 82.03 | L1 |
| St George | 11 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 742 | 1,057 | 16 | 70.20 | L4 |
| Balmain | 11 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 747 | 1,514 | 12 | 49.34 | W1 |
| UNSW-ES | 11 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 768 | 1,132 | 8 | 67.84 | L7 |
| Wollongong | 11 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 754 | 1,137 | 4 | 66.31 | L4 |
Black - Confirmed finallists
Green - Currently in the top 5 or 4.
Blue - Out of the finals currently, but still in mathematical contention.
Purple - Non-finallists
Red - If the season ended now, would be relegated.
First Division:
Pennant Hills 16.11 (107) d Wollongong 4.4 (28)
North Shore 15.13 (103) d UNSW-ES 6.5 (41)
Macquarie Uni 15.17 (107) d East Coast Eagles 5.2 (32)
UTS 9.6 (60) d Manly-Warringah 5.9 (39)
Sydney Uni 15.12 (102) d Western Suburbs 0.2 (2)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – UTS (81.82, 234.86%), Sydney Uni (81.82, 172.44%), Manly-Warringah (80, 158.78%), Macquarie Uni (72.73, 169.12%), North Shore (63.64, 143.02%), East Coast (36.36, 84.77%), Pennant Hills (36.36, 74.70%), Wollongong (18.18, 56.77%), Western Suburbs (18.18, 41.08%), UNSW-ES (10, 50.66%).
Second Division:
NorWest Jets 20.5 (125) d St George 7.10 (52)
UTS 14.11 (95) d Manly-Warringah 4.15 (39)
Holroyd-Parramatta 28.16 (184) d UNSW-ES 5.4 (34)
Southern Power 23.15 (153) d Sydney Uni 0.4 (4)
Balmain Dockers 10.11 (71) d Camden 6.14 (50)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Southern Power (100, 351.42%), UTS (90.91, 201.72%), Holroyd-Parramatta (72.73, 161.82%), NorWest (54.55, 131.92%), Sydney Uni (54.55, 88.34%), Balmain (36.36, 65.62%), Camden (30, 54.90%), St George (27.27, 76.35%), Manly-Warringah (20, 58.22%), UNSW-ES (9.09, 42.08%).
Third Division:
UTS 8.17 (65) d Pennant Hills 2.4 (16)
Macquarie Uni 13.11 (89) d East Coast Eagles 8.9 (57)
Penrith 15.21 (111) d Holroyd-Parramatta 4.3 (27)
Southern Power 10.13 (73) d Sydney Uni 8.3 (51)
Moorebank Sports 21.12 (138) d Campbelltown 3.9 (27)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Moorebank Sports (90.91, 273.46%), Penrith (72.73, 187.37%), Southern Power (72.73, 140.68%), UTS (63.64, 146.71%), Macquarie Uni (63.64, 118.93%), East Coast (50, 119.23%), Campbelltown (36.36, 58.14%), Sydney Uni (20, 54.71%), Holroyd-Parramatta (18.18, 40.88%), Pennant Hills (9.09, 44.04%).
Fourth Division:
UTS 14.8 (92) d Manly-Warringah 9.7 (61)
Penrith 18.15 (123) d Holroyd-Parramatta 3.2 (20)
Sydney Uni 12.11 (83) d Southern Power 5.10 (40)
Moorebank Sports 13.15 (93) d Camden 4.1 (25)
Mac Uni Warriors 11.12 (78) d UNSW-ES 6.9 (45)
NorWest Jets 12.7 (79) d Mac Uni Kookas 3.5 (23)
Auburn 22.14 (146) d Saints AFC 8.11 (59)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Auburn (100, 335.15%), Moorebank Sports (72.73, 262.84%), Mac Uni Warriors (72.73, 239.51%), Penrith (72.73, 106.74%), Saints AFC (63.64, 156.26%), Manly-Warringah (60, 170.87%), UTS (54.55, 159.01%), Sydney Uni (54.55, 120.26%), NorWest (54.55, 78.06%), Mac Uni Kookas (30, 34.08%), Southern Power (20, 59.35%), Camden (20, 51.14%), UNSW-ES (18.18, 50.69%), Holroyd-Parramatta (0, 12.75%).
Under 18s Premier:
North Shore 21.9 (135) d UNSW-ES 8.3 (51)
East Coast Eagles 18.9 (117) d St George 9.5 (59)
Sydney Uni 21.12 (138) d Western Suburbs 6.8 (44)
St Ignatius Riverview d Campbelltown - forfeit
Ladder (Match Ratio) – North Shore (87.5, 181.68%), Sydney Uni (77.78, 223.37%), East Coast (75, 206.58%), Pennant Hills (66.67, 181.01%), St George (62.5, 104.09%), St Ignatius Riverview (55.56, 127.52%), UNSW-ES (30, 69.75%), Wests (30, 64.17%), Wollongong (28.57, 73.07%), Campbelltown (0, 8.59%).
Under 18s Challenge:
Penrith 27.16 (178) d Holroyd-Parramatta 4.4 (28)
Southern Power 11.11 (77) d Manly-Warringah 8.9 (57)
Macquarie Uni 11.9 (75) d East Coast Eagles 5.8 (38)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Penrith (100, 829.17%), Southern Power (77.78, 179.13%), Holroyd-Parramatta (44.44, 87.95%), Manly-Warringah (44.44, 78.31%), Macquarie Uni (37.5, 50.76%), Moorebank Sports (33.33, 79.19%), East Coast (20, 43.99%).
THE RUN HOME
It’s still mathematically possible for every team to make the finals, although for Wollongong, UNSW-ES and Balmain it would take a freak set of results.
East Coast Eagles remain top, on percentage ahead of Sydney Uni. North Shore and Wests are a game behind, but the Bombers have a better percentage than Sydney Uni. Another two games separate the Bombers and the Magpies from fifth placed Pennant Hills, who is a further game plus percentage clear of Campbelltown. St George are a further game behind, but their poor percentage means time is running out if they want to remain with a realistic crack at finals contention.
The remaining games this season for clubs in contention are:
East Coast (36, 208.88%) – Sydney Uni (Syd Uni No 1), Balmain (Bruce Purser), Wests (Henson), North Shore (Bruce Purser), Campbelltown (Monarch), Wollongong (Bruce Purser), Pennant Hills (Ern Holmes).
Sydney Uni (36, 149.69%) – East Coast (Syd Uni No 1), North Shore (Gore Hill), Pennant Hills (Sydney Uni No 1), UNSW-ES (Syd Uni No 1), Wollongong (North Dalton), Campbelltown (Syd Uni No 1), St George (Olds).
North Shore (32, 171.33%) – St George (Olds), Sydney Uni (Gore Hill), Balmain (Drummoyne), East Coast (Bruce Purser), Wests (Blacktown), Pennant Hills (Gore Hill), Campbelltown (Blacktown).
Wests (32, 144.02%) – Balmain (Drummoyne), Campbelltown (Monarch), East Coast (Henson), Pennant Hills (Blacktown), North Shore (Blacktown), UNSW-ES (Henson), Wollongong (North Dalton).
Pennant Hills (24, 112.34%) – UNSW-ES (Ern Holmes), St George (Ern Holmes), Sydney Uni (Sydney Uni No 1), Wests (Blacktown), Balmain (Ern Holmes), North Shore (Gore Hill), East Coast (Ern Holmes).
Campbelltown (20, 82.03%) – Wollongong (North Dalton), Wests (Monarch), UNSW-ES (Village Green), St George (Olds), East Coast (Monarch), Sydney Uni (Syd Uni No 1), North Shore (Blacktown).
St George (16, 70.20%) – North Shore (Olds), Pennant Hills (Ern Holmes), Wollongong (Blacktown), Campbelltown (Olds), UNSW-ES (Village Green), Balmain (Blacktown), Sydney Uni (Olds).
Balmain (12, 49.34%) – Wests (Drummoyne), East Coast (Bruce Purser), North Shore (Drummoyne), Wollongong (Drummoyne), Pennant Hills (Ern Holmes), St George (Blacktown), UNSW-ES (Village Green) .
UNSW-ES (8, 67.84%) – Pennant Hills (Ern Holmes), Wollongong (North Dalton), Campbelltown (Village Green), Sydney Uni (Syd Uni No 1), St George (Village Green), Wests (Henson), Balmain (Village Green).
Wollongong (4, 66.31%) – Campbelltown (North Dalton), UNSW-ES (North Dalton), St George (Blacktown), Balmain (Drummoyne), Sydney Uni (North Dalton), East Coast (Bruce Purser), Wests (North Dalton).
NEXT WEEK’S FIXTURES (Lurker’s Kiss of Death in bold):
Saturday 3rd July
Drummoyne Oval – Balmain Dockers v Western Suburbs (2:10pm)
North Dalton Oval – Wollongong v Campbelltown (2:10pm)
Olds Park – St George v North Shore (2:10pm)
Ern Holmes Oval – Pennant Hills v UNSW-ES (2:30pm)
Sydney Uni No 1 – Sydney University v East Coast Eagles (4:10pm)
First Division:
Saturday 3rd July
North Dalton Oval – Wollongong v UTS (12pm)
Ern Holmes Oval – Pennant Hills v UNSW-ES (12:30pm)
Sydney Uni No 1 – Sydney University v East Coast Eagles (2pm)
Pittwater No 6 – Manly-Warringah v Western Suburbs (2:30pm)
University Oval – Macquarie Uni v North Shore (4:30pm)
Second Division:
Saturday 3rd July
Village Green – UNSW-ES v UTS (10:30am)
Olds Park – St George v Holroyd-Parramatta (12pm)
Pittwater No 6 – Manly-Warringah v Balmain Dockers (12:30pm)
Bensons Lane – NorWest Jets v Southern Power (2:10pm)
Henson Park – Sydney University v Camden (2:10pm)
Third Division:
Saturday 3rd July
Bruce Purser Oval – East Coast Eagles v Moorebank Sports (10am)
Ern Holmes Oval – Pennant Hills v Southern Power (10:30am)
Henson Park – Sydney University v Campbelltown (12pm)
University Oval – Macquarie Uni v Southern Power (12:30pm)
Greygums Oval – Penrith v UTS (2:10pm)
Fourth Division:
Saturday 3rd July
Henson Park – Sydney Uni v UNSW-ES (10am)
Pittwater No 6 – Manly-Warringah v Moorebank Sports (10:30am)
University Oval – Mac Uni Kookas v Holroyd-Parramatta (10:30am)
Bensons Lane – NorWest Jets v Southern Power (12pm)
Greygums Oval – Penrith v UTS (12pm)
Mona Park – Auburn v Camden (2:10pm)
University Oval – Mac Uni Warriors v Saints AFC (2:30pm)
Under 18s Premier:
Saturday 3rd July
Ern Holmes Oval – Pennant Hills v UNSW-ES (8:30am)
North Dalton Oval – Wollongong v Campbelltown (10am)
Olds Park – St George v North Shore (10am)
Drummoyne Oval – Western Suburbs v St Ignatius Riverview (12pm)
Sydney Uni No 1 – Sydney University v East Coast Eagles (7pm)
Under 18s Challenge:
Saturday 3rd July
Pittwater No 6 – Manly-Warringah v Moorebank Sports (8:30am)
University Oval – Macquarie Uni v Holroyd-Parramatta (8:30am)
Greygums Oval – Penrith v Southern Power (10am)
East Coast Eagles has the bye.