| HARBOURSPORT |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
SYDNEY AFL ROUND 11 2011
Article and Photos by Michael Shillito
Premier Division took a break over the long weekend, but Sydney footy was far from idle. Rep teams were in action, with the Sydney AFL team going down narrowly to AFL Cairns while the Under 23s squad went down to AFL Riverina. And through the other divisions, there were make-up games after washouts earlier in the season.
The long weekend, and the week that followed, saw plenty of wet weather. Several matches through the divisions were moved after another round of ground closures; and although all Premier Division matches went ahead as scheduled, many were played on heavy tracks.
But the surface at Wollongong’s picturesque North Dalton Oval was in good condition on a gloriously sunny Sunday when Illawarra hosted North Shore. It was a match potentially pivotal to both teams’ finals chances, and it would be a thriller that would be determined in the final few seconds of the game.
Kicking to the southern end in the first quarter, Teddy Strudwick burst out of the centre with the ball after the opening bounce, blazing away at the goal for the opening behind after just 10 seconds. For most of the first 10 minutes the ball was camped in North Shore’s forward line, but the Bombers could only manage behinds. It took the Lions nearly 10 minutes to get an inside 50, but when it came it resulted in a goal after a mark from Ken Ewen-Chappell on a tight angle in front of the scoreboard.
Seb Paynter was getting into the contest, weaving his way around Illawarra traffic to find Pat Brackin 30 metres out, but Brackin’s shot sailed wide. And Paynter went himself a few minutes later to record the Bombers’ first goal.
Andrew Barned converted a set shot on a tight angle to restore the Illawarra lead, but it would last only a minute before Daniel Roberts went long from outside the 50m line to put North Shore back in front. A mark and goal by Pat Brackin added another, but free kicks to Ewen-Chappell and Barned put the Lions a point in front at the first change.
In the opening minute of the second term, the speedy Ben Attwood played on in the pocket and outran his Lion opponents to snap truly from the pocket. But it was one of the few times that players would find space during a tightly-contested second term. The Bombers were having the better of play around the ground, with the Harry brothers being prominent ball-winners, but wasted plenty of chances. But eventually they would get a goal, Lachlan Pryor converting a long bomb from 55 metres out next to the boundary line. After all the easier shots that the Bombers had missed, they would convert the harder shot.
But the Bombers were looking dangerous. Ben Attwood went for a run and three bounces through the centre before getting run down by Barron Hanson and pinged for holding the ball. But the Lions would immediately turn the ball over, and a 50 metre penalty would give Dale Fitzgerald an easy goal for the Bombers to take an 18 point lead. And in the opening five minutes of the second half, a long torp by Daniel Roberts and some strong pack marking by Pat Brackin put the Bombers 30 points ahead, and seemingly cruising to an easy win.
Few would have seen it coming, but the Lions would launch a stirring comeback to get themselves back in the contest. It began with a 50 metre penalty to Ken Ewen-Chappell. At the 15 minute mark, a mistimed Chris McKinnon chip across the face of goal was intercepted by Andrew Barned. Barned was again in the thick of the action a few minutes later, receiving a lightning handball from Jimmy Weavers.
The Lions had lifted in the midfield, players who had struggled to get a touch in the first half now getting involved in the action. The Lions had a chance to make a further dent in the North Shore lead when the ball sailed to a marking contest at the edge of the square. Ewen-Chappell took the mark, only for it to be disallowed after a push-out was paid. But deep in time-on, Barned marked unopposed 20 metres out and added his fifth; cutting the margin to just eight points at the last change.
The last quarter would be a thriller, an enthralling battle between two willing opponents. For 12 minutes it was end to end, the Bombers managing two behinds. But an infringement by North Shore defender Ron Wason resulted in a downfield free to the Lions, and Barned’s sixth goal. The Lions would get the centre break and quickly move it forward, and Rhys Cutifani was there to mark on a tight angle. It was a tricky kick, with the Bomber defenders on hand to rule out any possibility of playing on to reduce the angle, but Cutifani threaded it perfectly and the Lions were in front.
The Illawarra lead would be short-lived this time, with Lachlan Pryor taking the ball from the centre break and going long to find younger brother Rory; and Rory Pryor kicked truly to put the Bombers back in front.
The shadows were lengthening around the ground, the voices from the grandstand growing louder as a close content was unfolding before them. Peter Lake stepped up for the Lions, moving forward to mark and goal from the edge of the square, and the Lions’ lead was restored. And at the 21 minute mark, Ewen-Chappell soccered the ball off the ground to extend the Illawarra lead to 9 points, and victory looked within their grasp.
At 24 minutes, the Bombers had a lifeline. After running the ball forward, Zan Manley played on from 35 metres out. The kick was smothered, but the ball bounced away to an unmarked Chris Murphy, his goal getting the Bombers back to within two points.
Lachlan Pryor blazed away from outside the 50, but his shot agonisingly hit the post. The clock was ticking down, and the Lions began chipping the ball around unmarked defenders until the Bombers began to man up. The turnover was forced, and Adrian Harry went long to the edge of the square. The Lion defenders attempted to clear, but had nowhere to go. A tackle was laid, the Bombers pleading for holding the ball, but the whistle stayed away from the umpire’s mouth.
The crowd were roaring themselves hoarse. The clock had ticked beyond the 29 minute mark, surely only seconds to go. All 36 players on the field were around the ball. A point would have resulted in a draw, the Bombers needing a goal to win, the Lions needing no score. The ball was thrown up, and there was a desperate scramble around the ball. Rory Pryor gathered, and snapped the goal through. And suddenly the Bombers were back in front.
Moments after the restart in the centre, the final siren sounded. Jubilation for the Bombers, and stunned disbelief for the Lions. Rory Pryor, the youngest player on the ground, had become the hero.
Seb Paynter, Pat Brackin and Brendan Fitzgerald were among North Shore’s best. The Lions had two key targets, with Andrew Barned finishing with six goals and Ken Ewen-Chappell with four, while Troy Bartlett and Ethan Hailey were also prominent for the Lions. The win consolidates North Shore’s grip on a position in the top 5. But it was a heartbreaking end for the Lions, who worked hard to come from five goals behind, only to stumble at the last hurdle.
The round began on Friday night, with UTS taking on Balmain at Henson Park; and the Dockers’ quick start would be the difference between the two sides. The Dockers scored five goals to one in the first quarter, leading by 27 points at the first change and ensuring the Bats would be in the pressure situation of playing catch-up football.
The Bats fought back in the second term to cut the margin to 9 points at half time. The scoring then dried up in the third term, only one goal being scored by each time. The Bats threw caution to the wind in the last quarter, looking desperately for a way to find the lead but searching in vain. And the Dockers would win the quarter, scoring five goals to three to win by 22 points.
Jason Saddington scored five goals for the Dockers; while Jerome Farrell, Janis Blams and Travis Stevens were among their best. The Bats were well served by Isaac Irvin, Simon Fitzgerald and Steve Tolj. With East Coast having the bye this weekend, Balmain’s win restores them to top spot on the ladder.
Sydney Uni kept in touch with the top two teams when the Students ground out a 12-point win over a plucky Pennant Hills at Mike Kenny Oval on Saturday afternoon. After a low-scoring and evenly contested first quarter, the Students threatened to run away in the second quarter as they powered their way to a 22-point half time lead. But the Demons refused to concede, winning each of the last two quarters.
Although the Demons never looked like winning, they worked hard to prevent a blowout. The Students were made to fight all the way in heavy conditions, and were never able to shake off the attentions of the Demons. Nick Lye, Ben Mankarious and Craig Moller were prominent around the ground for the Students to help them fall over the line; while Kieran Wright, Sam Boughton and Ben Beaston were among the Demons’ best.
St George’s roller-coaster ride in 2011 continued when the Dragons returned to the winners’ list with a 20-point win over Campbelltown at Olds Park on Saturday afternoon. The Blues were a point in front at the first change, but the Dragons took the lead early in the second term and led by six points at the long break.
There was no avalanche of goals, no run-on and the floodgates were never allowed to open. Slowly but surely, the Dragons extended their lead. It wasn’t pretty – the difficult conditions and the tenacious Campbelltown defence didn’t allow it to be – but the Dragons would do enough to record the valuable competition points.
Declan Donohue again showed his class in a best-on-ground performance, while Mark Graham and Andrew Herne were also prominent for the Dragons. It’s been a season of ups and downs for the Dragons, but with five wins so far this season they remain a contender to take part in this year’s finals. The Linsen brothers and Hamish Sherwood picked up plenty of the ball for the Blues; but it wasn’t enough for the Blues to break through for their first win of 2011. But it was a performance from Campbelltown that was considerably improved from some earlier results this season.
The upset of the round was at Picken Oval, where Wests broke through for their season win of the season with a 22-point win over UNSW-ES. The Magpies had the better of the early exchanges to lead by 12 points at quarter time, but the Bulldogs fought back to lead by a point at the long break.
The third quarter was an arm wrestle, a goal for goal battle for supremacy. But the Magpies took the lead during the quarter to lead by four points at the last change. And having been given a sniff, the Magpies weren’t letting go. Pumped up for a last quarter with the prospect of their win drought finally being broken, the Magpies were inspired to pull away, and a return of five goals to two for the quarter was enough to ensure that the Wests’ song would be sung in their rooms for the first time since round 2.
Matt Eurell was an effective target up forward for the Magpies, finishing with five goals. Around the ground, Seamus Pearson, Ryan Bennett and Clinton McGrath were key performers. Timothy Widmer contributed five goals for the Bulldogs, and along with Hayden Nichols and Peter Kefalas was among their best. For the Magpies, after a season that hasn’t gone their way, it was a welcome return to form and a morale boost for the club. But it was an opportunity lost for the Bulldogs, who would have entered the top 5 had they recorded the win.
Representative Football
AFL Cairns 4.1 7.2 7.2 11.8 (74)
AFL Sydney 2.1 6.1 7.7 8.10 (58)
Goals - S Doyle 5, P Dugmore, R Bilkey, Jamie Vlatko.
Best - Jon Vlatko (Best Player Award), K Wright, S Doyle, M Collett, P Dugmore, D Martin.
AFL Riverina 9.4 13.5 18.7 19.8 (122)
AFL Sydney U23 0.4 3.7 3.8 8.4 (62)
Goals - M Hogan 3, M Edwins, Z Manley, T Scoular, C Smith, M Atkinson.
Best - H Nicholls, B Hanson, J Mobbs, M Atkinson, Z Manley, D Fitzgerald.
Premier Division
North Shore 3.5 6.8 8.10 11.15 (81)
Illawarra 4.0 4.2 8.3 12.4 (76)
Goals : North Shore – D Roberts 2, P Brackin 2, R Pryor 2, S Paynter, B Attwood, L Pryor, C Murphy, D Fitzgerald. Illawarra – A Barned 6, K Ewen-Chappell 4, R Cutifani, P Lake.
Best : North Shore – S Paynter, P Brackin, B Fitzgerald, P Codling, A Harry, R Pryor. Illawarra – A Barned, T Bartlett, E Hailey, J Daniher, T Green, R Wells.
At North Dalton Oval, Sunday 19th June 2011.
Balmain 5.4 5.6 6.10 11.10 (76)
University of Technology 1.1 4.3 5.5 8.6 (54)
Goals : Balmain – J Saddington 5, A Mitchell 2, M Edwins, B Jones, T Head, J Howard. UTS – S Fitzgerald 2, J Caica 2, S Way, A Morley, D Teasdale, T Wallace.
Best : Balmain – J Farrell, J Blums, T Stevens, J Ryder, B Jones, J Britton. UTS – I Irvin, S Fitzgerald, C Tolj, M Atkinson, F Purcell, A Morley.
At Henson Park, Friday 16th June 2011.
Sydney University 2.1 6.3 8.6 10.9 (69)
Pennant Hills 1.2 2.5 5.8 8.9 (57)
Goals : Sydney Uni – A Campbell 2, A Turco 2, T Barrett 2, M Hutton, P Dugmore, C Kendrick, T Barton. Pennant Hills – L Bilbe 3, B Unwin 2, D De Looze, J Gourlay, B Jack.
Best : Sydney Uni – N Lye, B Mankarious, C Moller, D Mitchell, C Wells, P Dugmore. Pennant Hills – K Wright, S Boughton, B Beaston, D Dell’Aquila, A Duncan, S Parker.
At Mike Kenny Oval, Saturday 17th June 2011.
St George 2.1 5.3 7.10 10.12 (72)
Campbelltown 2.2 4.3 5.7 7.10 (52)
Goals : St George – D Napper 3, T Addison 2, D Ryan 2, J Shineberg, D Lycakis, N Ryan. Campbelltown – M Moore 2, B Freney, M Hogan, B Reid, D Linsen, T Sims.
Best : St George – D Donohue, M Graham, A Herne, D Ryan, T Addison, P McBride. Campbelltown – M Linsen, H Sherwood, D Linsen, B Joynson, S Hardy, B Reid.
At Olds Park, Saturday 17th June 2011.
Western Suburbs 3.3 5.4 9.5 14.7 (91)
University of NSW-Eastern Suburbs 1.3 5.5 8.7 10.9 (69)
Goals : Wests – M Eurell 5, K Walford 2, P Gannon 2, C Specha, S Pearson, B Lafferty, D Watkins, R Miller. UNSW-ES – T Widmer 5, N Tsindos, M Collett, J Parmenter, J Kiel, B Elleman.
Best : Wests – S Pearson, R Barrett, C McGrath, S Hudson, M Lemme, D Lambert. UNSW-ES – H Nichols, T Widmer, P Kefalas, R Pert, M Collett, C Jourdain.
At Picken Oval, Saturday 17th June 2011.
Black - Confirmed finalists
Green - Currently in a finals position, but not yet guaranteed a place in the finals
Blue - Not currently in a finals position, but still a chance to qualify
Purple - Will not be competing in the finals
Red - If the season ended now, would be relegated.
First Division
Sydney University 8.12 (60) d Western Suburbs 4.13 (37)
UTS 15.6 (96) d Illawarra 11.7 (73)
East Coast Eagles 11.7. (73) d North Shore 6.9 (45)
Sydney Uni 13.10 (88) d Pennant Hills 3.9 (27)
Western Suburbs 10.6 (66) d UNSW-ES 3.4 (22)
Southern Power 9.4 (58) d Manly-Warringah 5.4 (34)
North Shore 17.8 (110) d Illawarra 10.5 (65)
UTS 13.13 (91) d Macquarie Uni 7.13 (55)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Manly-Warringah (80, 232.98%), Sydney Uni (80, 125.41%), Southern Power (77.78, 151.10%), Macquarie Uni (70, 197.36%), East Coast (55.56, 138.18%), UTS (44.44, 98.62%), Pennant Hills (44.44, 80.97%), UNSW-ES (40, 65.15%), North Shore (33.33, 67.08%), Wests (20, 58.83%), Illawarra (9.09, 48.73%).
Second Division
Penrith 17.21 (123) d St George 5.5 (35)
Nor West 12.11 (83) d Camden 3.3. (21)
Auburn 10.13 (73) d Sydney University 7.8 (50)
St George 10.3 (63) d Manly-Warringah 9.8 (62)
Moorebank 6.12 (48) d Camden 4.10 (34)
Sydney Uni 6.10 (46) d Auburn 6.6 (42)
Holroyd-Parramatta 15.17 (107) d Penrith 6.9 (45)
Balmain 12.9 (81) d NorWest 12.8 (80)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Balmain (80, 149.38%), Penrith (70, 165.10%), Holroyd-Parramatta (70, 145.87%), Sydney Uni (70, 135.41%), Auburn (60, 100.16%), NorWest (50, 99.11%), St George (40, 68.86%), Moorebank (30, 87.43%), Manly-Warringah (20, 61.08%), Camden (10, 54.13%).
Third Division
UNSW/ES 26.17 (173) d North Shore 5.4 (34)
Sydney University 14.8 (92) d Western Suburbs 8.5 (53)
Saints afc 17.16 (118) d Campbelltown 5.4 (34)
UTS v East Coast Eagles – Washed Out
Western Suburbs 14.17 (101) d North Shore 3.12 (30)
Saints AFC 10.15 (75) d Southern Power 3.12 (30)
East Coast 7.7 (49) d Sydney Uni 5.8 (38)
UNSW-ES 20.24 (144) d Campbelltown 4.6 (30)
UTS 19.21 (135) d Macquarie Uni 6.5 (41)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – UNSW-ES (90, 253.78%), UTS (75, 153.37%), Sydney Uni (70, 136.63%), Saints AFC (66.67, 186.11%), Southern Power (44.44, 91.28%), Wests (44.44, 77.87%), East Coast (44.44, 76.04%), Macquarie Uni (40, 119.50%), Campbelltown (20, 39.30%), North Shore (10, 36.56%).
Fourth Division
Holroyd Parramatta 15.15 (105) d Auburn 7.8 (50)
UTS v Nor West – Washed Out
UNSW-ES 18.15 (123) d Moorebank 6.9 (45)
Penrith 10.20 (80) d Holroyd-Parramatta 4.6 (30)
Manly-Warringah 12.19 (91) d Auburn 7.5 (47)
Macquarie Uni 8.12 (60) d UTS 8.11 (59)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Macquarie Uni (100, 180.15%), Penrith (88.89, 204.60%), UTS (66.67, 150.87%), Moorebank (55.56, 105.30%), UNSW-ES (50, 92.88%), Holroyd-Parramatta (33.33, 92.28%), Manly-Warringah (25, 68.08%), NorWest (16.67, 77.08%), Auburn (11.11, 39.98%).
Fifth Division
Manly Warringah 8.8 (56) d Macquarie University 8.5 (53)
Saints afc 14.16 (100) d Sydney University 2.6 (18)
Southern Power 10.11 (71) d Saints AFC 1.9 (15)
Manly-Warringah 12.16 (88) d Holroyd-Parramatta 3.6 (24)
Moorebank 14.13 (97) d Camden 1.2 (8)
Sydney Uni 16.21 (117) d Macquarie Uni 2.3 (15)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Southern Power (100, 300.00%), Sydney Uni (60, 145.18%), Saints AFC (60, 129.48%), Moorebank (60, 127.69%), Manly-Warringah (60, 89.43%), Macquarie Uni (40, 99.83%), Camden (20, 60.97%), Holroyd-Parramatta (0, 28.02%).
Under 18s Premier
St George 14.14 (98) d Penrith 3.7 (25)
North Shore 8.10.(58) drew East Coast Eagles 8.10 (58)
Western Suburbs 7.7 (49) drew St Ignatius, Riverview 6.13 (49)
Pennant Hills 12.11 (83) d Sydney Uni 2.6 (18)
St George 14.9 (93) d Western Suburbs 6.3 (39)
St Ignatius Riverview 20.12 (132) d UNSW-ES 8.7 (55)
East Coast 23.17 (155) d Penrith 1.1 (7)
North Shore 12.11 (83) d Illawarra 4.11 (35)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – East Coast (95, 234.08%), North Shore (83.33, 197.24%), St Ignatius Riverview (70, 124.73%), Pennant Hills (66.67, 116.67%), Sydney Uni (60, 134.01%), St George (40, 116.24%), Penrith (30, 49.17%), Illawarra (25, 74.37%), Wests (25, 64.85%), UNSW-ES (10, 41.10%).
Under 18s Challenge
Moorebank 12.9 (81) d Southern Power 5.8 (38)
Mac Uni Warriors 18.10 (118) d Holroyd-Parramatta 11.10 (76)
Campbelltown 11.19 (85) d East Coast 4.5 (29)
Manly-Warringah 36.19 (235) d Mac Uni Kookas 0.2 (2)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Campbelltown (100, 301.97%), Mac Uni Warriors (75, 158.91%), Manly-Warringah (60, 148.62%), Southern Power (55.56, 112.40%), Holroyd-Parramatta (44.44, 117.42%), Balmain (37.5, 78.20%), Moorebank (33.33, 82.44%), East Coast (33.33, 58.52%), Mac Uni Kookas (11.11, 25.29%).
NEXT WEEK’S FIXTURES
Premier Division (Lurker’s Kiss of Death in bold)Saturday 25th June
Picken Oval – Western Suburbs v UTS (1:10pm)
Monarch Oval – Campbelltown v Pennant Hills (2:10pm)
Gore Hill Oval – North Shore v UNSW-ES (2:30pm)
Sunday 26th June
Drummoyne Oval – Balmain v Sydney Uni (2:10pm)
Bruce Purser Reserve – East Coast v St George (4:10pm)
BYE – Illawarra
First Division
Saturday 25th June
Picken Oval – Western Suburbs v UTS (11am)
Gore Hill Oval – North Shore v UNSW-ES (12:30pm)
Weldon Oval – Manly-Warringah v Pennant Hills (2:10pm)
University Oval – Macquarie Uni v Sydney Uni (6:10pm)
Sunday 26th June
Bruce Purser Reserve – East Coast v Southern Power (2pm)
BYE – Illawarra
Second Division
Saturday 25th June
Weldon Oval – Manly-Warringah v Camden (12pm)
Bensons Lane – NorWest v St George (2:10pm)
Mona Park – Auburn v Holroyd-Parramatta (2:10pm)
Rosedale Oval – Moorebank v Penrith (3:30pm)
Sunday 26th June
Drummoyne Oval – Balmain v Sydney Uni (12pm)
Third Division
Saturday 25th June
Picken Oval – Western Suburbs v UTS (9am)
Gore Hill Oval – North Shore v UNSW-ES (10:30am)
Monarch Oval – Campbelltown v Saints AFC (12pm)
University Oval – Macquarie Uni v Sydney Uni (4pm)
Sunday 26th June
Bruce Purser Reserve – East Coast v Southern Power (10am)
Fourth Division
Saturday 25th June
Bensons Lane – NorWest v UTS (12pm)
Mona Park – Auburn v Holroyd-Parramatta (12pm)
Rosedale Oval – Moorebank v Penrith (1:30pm)
University Oval – Macquarie Uni v Manly-Warringah (2pm)
BYE – UNSW-ES
Fifth Division
Saturday 25th June
Weldon Oval – Manly-Warringah v Camden (10am)
Rosedale Oval – Moorebank v Holroyd-Parramatta (11:30am)
University Oval – Macquarie Uni v Southern Power (12pm)
Pioneers Park – Saints AFC v Sydney Uni (2pm)
Under 18s Premier
Saturday 25th June
Gore Hill Oval – North Shore v UNSW-ES (8:30am)
Riverview First Field – St Ignatius Riverview v Pennant Hills (10am)
Cook Park – Penrith v Sydney Uni (3pm)
Sunday 26th June
Bruce Purser Reserve – East Coast v St George (2pm)
BYE – Western Suburbs, Illawarra.
Under 18s Challenge
Saturday 25th June
Rosedale Oval – Moorebank v Holroyd-Parramatta (9:30am)
Monarch Oval – Campbelltown v Mac Uni Kookas (10am)
Bruce Purser Reserve – East Coat v Mac Uni Warriors (12pm)
Sunday 26th June
Drummoyne Oval – Balmain v Southern Power (10am)
BYE – Manly-Warringah
Article and Photos by Michael Shillito
Premier Division took a break over the long weekend, but Sydney footy was far from idle. Rep teams were in action, with the Sydney AFL team going down narrowly to AFL Cairns while the Under 23s squad went down to AFL Riverina. And through the other divisions, there were make-up games after washouts earlier in the season.
The long weekend, and the week that followed, saw plenty of wet weather. Several matches through the divisions were moved after another round of ground closures; and although all Premier Division matches went ahead as scheduled, many were played on heavy tracks.
But the surface at Wollongong’s picturesque North Dalton Oval was in good condition on a gloriously sunny Sunday when Illawarra hosted North Shore. It was a match potentially pivotal to both teams’ finals chances, and it would be a thriller that would be determined in the final few seconds of the game.
Kicking to the southern end in the first quarter, Teddy Strudwick burst out of the centre with the ball after the opening bounce, blazing away at the goal for the opening behind after just 10 seconds. For most of the first 10 minutes the ball was camped in North Shore’s forward line, but the Bombers could only manage behinds. It took the Lions nearly 10 minutes to get an inside 50, but when it came it resulted in a goal after a mark from Ken Ewen-Chappell on a tight angle in front of the scoreboard.
Seb Paynter was getting into the contest, weaving his way around Illawarra traffic to find Pat Brackin 30 metres out, but Brackin’s shot sailed wide. And Paynter went himself a few minutes later to record the Bombers’ first goal.
Andrew Barned converted a set shot on a tight angle to restore the Illawarra lead, but it would last only a minute before Daniel Roberts went long from outside the 50m line to put North Shore back in front. A mark and goal by Pat Brackin added another, but free kicks to Ewen-Chappell and Barned put the Lions a point in front at the first change.
In the opening minute of the second term, the speedy Ben Attwood played on in the pocket and outran his Lion opponents to snap truly from the pocket. But it was one of the few times that players would find space during a tightly-contested second term. The Bombers were having the better of play around the ground, with the Harry brothers being prominent ball-winners, but wasted plenty of chances. But eventually they would get a goal, Lachlan Pryor converting a long bomb from 55 metres out next to the boundary line. After all the easier shots that the Bombers had missed, they would convert the harder shot.
But the Bombers were looking dangerous. Ben Attwood went for a run and three bounces through the centre before getting run down by Barron Hanson and pinged for holding the ball. But the Lions would immediately turn the ball over, and a 50 metre penalty would give Dale Fitzgerald an easy goal for the Bombers to take an 18 point lead. And in the opening five minutes of the second half, a long torp by Daniel Roberts and some strong pack marking by Pat Brackin put the Bombers 30 points ahead, and seemingly cruising to an easy win.
Few would have seen it coming, but the Lions would launch a stirring comeback to get themselves back in the contest. It began with a 50 metre penalty to Ken Ewen-Chappell. At the 15 minute mark, a mistimed Chris McKinnon chip across the face of goal was intercepted by Andrew Barned. Barned was again in the thick of the action a few minutes later, receiving a lightning handball from Jimmy Weavers.
The Lions had lifted in the midfield, players who had struggled to get a touch in the first half now getting involved in the action. The Lions had a chance to make a further dent in the North Shore lead when the ball sailed to a marking contest at the edge of the square. Ewen-Chappell took the mark, only for it to be disallowed after a push-out was paid. But deep in time-on, Barned marked unopposed 20 metres out and added his fifth; cutting the margin to just eight points at the last change.
The last quarter would be a thriller, an enthralling battle between two willing opponents. For 12 minutes it was end to end, the Bombers managing two behinds. But an infringement by North Shore defender Ron Wason resulted in a downfield free to the Lions, and Barned’s sixth goal. The Lions would get the centre break and quickly move it forward, and Rhys Cutifani was there to mark on a tight angle. It was a tricky kick, with the Bomber defenders on hand to rule out any possibility of playing on to reduce the angle, but Cutifani threaded it perfectly and the Lions were in front.
The Illawarra lead would be short-lived this time, with Lachlan Pryor taking the ball from the centre break and going long to find younger brother Rory; and Rory Pryor kicked truly to put the Bombers back in front.
The shadows were lengthening around the ground, the voices from the grandstand growing louder as a close content was unfolding before them. Peter Lake stepped up for the Lions, moving forward to mark and goal from the edge of the square, and the Lions’ lead was restored. And at the 21 minute mark, Ewen-Chappell soccered the ball off the ground to extend the Illawarra lead to 9 points, and victory looked within their grasp.
At 24 minutes, the Bombers had a lifeline. After running the ball forward, Zan Manley played on from 35 metres out. The kick was smothered, but the ball bounced away to an unmarked Chris Murphy, his goal getting the Bombers back to within two points.
Lachlan Pryor blazed away from outside the 50, but his shot agonisingly hit the post. The clock was ticking down, and the Lions began chipping the ball around unmarked defenders until the Bombers began to man up. The turnover was forced, and Adrian Harry went long to the edge of the square. The Lion defenders attempted to clear, but had nowhere to go. A tackle was laid, the Bombers pleading for holding the ball, but the whistle stayed away from the umpire’s mouth.
The crowd were roaring themselves hoarse. The clock had ticked beyond the 29 minute mark, surely only seconds to go. All 36 players on the field were around the ball. A point would have resulted in a draw, the Bombers needing a goal to win, the Lions needing no score. The ball was thrown up, and there was a desperate scramble around the ball. Rory Pryor gathered, and snapped the goal through. And suddenly the Bombers were back in front.
Moments after the restart in the centre, the final siren sounded. Jubilation for the Bombers, and stunned disbelief for the Lions. Rory Pryor, the youngest player on the ground, had become the hero.
Seb Paynter, Pat Brackin and Brendan Fitzgerald were among North Shore’s best. The Lions had two key targets, with Andrew Barned finishing with six goals and Ken Ewen-Chappell with four, while Troy Bartlett and Ethan Hailey were also prominent for the Lions. The win consolidates North Shore’s grip on a position in the top 5. But it was a heartbreaking end for the Lions, who worked hard to come from five goals behind, only to stumble at the last hurdle.
The round began on Friday night, with UTS taking on Balmain at Henson Park; and the Dockers’ quick start would be the difference between the two sides. The Dockers scored five goals to one in the first quarter, leading by 27 points at the first change and ensuring the Bats would be in the pressure situation of playing catch-up football.
The Bats fought back in the second term to cut the margin to 9 points at half time. The scoring then dried up in the third term, only one goal being scored by each time. The Bats threw caution to the wind in the last quarter, looking desperately for a way to find the lead but searching in vain. And the Dockers would win the quarter, scoring five goals to three to win by 22 points.
Jason Saddington scored five goals for the Dockers; while Jerome Farrell, Janis Blams and Travis Stevens were among their best. The Bats were well served by Isaac Irvin, Simon Fitzgerald and Steve Tolj. With East Coast having the bye this weekend, Balmain’s win restores them to top spot on the ladder.
Sydney Uni kept in touch with the top two teams when the Students ground out a 12-point win over a plucky Pennant Hills at Mike Kenny Oval on Saturday afternoon. After a low-scoring and evenly contested first quarter, the Students threatened to run away in the second quarter as they powered their way to a 22-point half time lead. But the Demons refused to concede, winning each of the last two quarters.
Although the Demons never looked like winning, they worked hard to prevent a blowout. The Students were made to fight all the way in heavy conditions, and were never able to shake off the attentions of the Demons. Nick Lye, Ben Mankarious and Craig Moller were prominent around the ground for the Students to help them fall over the line; while Kieran Wright, Sam Boughton and Ben Beaston were among the Demons’ best.
St George’s roller-coaster ride in 2011 continued when the Dragons returned to the winners’ list with a 20-point win over Campbelltown at Olds Park on Saturday afternoon. The Blues were a point in front at the first change, but the Dragons took the lead early in the second term and led by six points at the long break.
There was no avalanche of goals, no run-on and the floodgates were never allowed to open. Slowly but surely, the Dragons extended their lead. It wasn’t pretty – the difficult conditions and the tenacious Campbelltown defence didn’t allow it to be – but the Dragons would do enough to record the valuable competition points.
Declan Donohue again showed his class in a best-on-ground performance, while Mark Graham and Andrew Herne were also prominent for the Dragons. It’s been a season of ups and downs for the Dragons, but with five wins so far this season they remain a contender to take part in this year’s finals. The Linsen brothers and Hamish Sherwood picked up plenty of the ball for the Blues; but it wasn’t enough for the Blues to break through for their first win of 2011. But it was a performance from Campbelltown that was considerably improved from some earlier results this season.
The upset of the round was at Picken Oval, where Wests broke through for their season win of the season with a 22-point win over UNSW-ES. The Magpies had the better of the early exchanges to lead by 12 points at quarter time, but the Bulldogs fought back to lead by a point at the long break.
The third quarter was an arm wrestle, a goal for goal battle for supremacy. But the Magpies took the lead during the quarter to lead by four points at the last change. And having been given a sniff, the Magpies weren’t letting go. Pumped up for a last quarter with the prospect of their win drought finally being broken, the Magpies were inspired to pull away, and a return of five goals to two for the quarter was enough to ensure that the Wests’ song would be sung in their rooms for the first time since round 2.
Matt Eurell was an effective target up forward for the Magpies, finishing with five goals. Around the ground, Seamus Pearson, Ryan Bennett and Clinton McGrath were key performers. Timothy Widmer contributed five goals for the Bulldogs, and along with Hayden Nichols and Peter Kefalas was among their best. For the Magpies, after a season that hasn’t gone their way, it was a welcome return to form and a morale boost for the club. But it was an opportunity lost for the Bulldogs, who would have entered the top 5 had they recorded the win.
Representative Football
AFL Cairns 4.1 7.2 7.2 11.8 (74)
AFL Sydney 2.1 6.1 7.7 8.10 (58)
Goals - S Doyle 5, P Dugmore, R Bilkey, Jamie Vlatko.
Best - Jon Vlatko (Best Player Award), K Wright, S Doyle, M Collett, P Dugmore, D Martin.
AFL Riverina 9.4 13.5 18.7 19.8 (122)
AFL Sydney U23 0.4 3.7 3.8 8.4 (62)
Goals - M Hogan 3, M Edwins, Z Manley, T Scoular, C Smith, M Atkinson.
Best - H Nicholls, B Hanson, J Mobbs, M Atkinson, Z Manley, D Fitzgerald.
Premier Division
North Shore 3.5 6.8 8.10 11.15 (81)
Illawarra 4.0 4.2 8.3 12.4 (76)
Goals : North Shore – D Roberts 2, P Brackin 2, R Pryor 2, S Paynter, B Attwood, L Pryor, C Murphy, D Fitzgerald. Illawarra – A Barned 6, K Ewen-Chappell 4, R Cutifani, P Lake.
Best : North Shore – S Paynter, P Brackin, B Fitzgerald, P Codling, A Harry, R Pryor. Illawarra – A Barned, T Bartlett, E Hailey, J Daniher, T Green, R Wells.
At North Dalton Oval, Sunday 19th June 2011.
Balmain 5.4 5.6 6.10 11.10 (76)
University of Technology 1.1 4.3 5.5 8.6 (54)
Goals : Balmain – J Saddington 5, A Mitchell 2, M Edwins, B Jones, T Head, J Howard. UTS – S Fitzgerald 2, J Caica 2, S Way, A Morley, D Teasdale, T Wallace.
Best : Balmain – J Farrell, J Blums, T Stevens, J Ryder, B Jones, J Britton. UTS – I Irvin, S Fitzgerald, C Tolj, M Atkinson, F Purcell, A Morley.
At Henson Park, Friday 16th June 2011.
Sydney University 2.1 6.3 8.6 10.9 (69)
Pennant Hills 1.2 2.5 5.8 8.9 (57)
Goals : Sydney Uni – A Campbell 2, A Turco 2, T Barrett 2, M Hutton, P Dugmore, C Kendrick, T Barton. Pennant Hills – L Bilbe 3, B Unwin 2, D De Looze, J Gourlay, B Jack.
Best : Sydney Uni – N Lye, B Mankarious, C Moller, D Mitchell, C Wells, P Dugmore. Pennant Hills – K Wright, S Boughton, B Beaston, D Dell’Aquila, A Duncan, S Parker.
At Mike Kenny Oval, Saturday 17th June 2011.
St George 2.1 5.3 7.10 10.12 (72)
Campbelltown 2.2 4.3 5.7 7.10 (52)
Goals : St George – D Napper 3, T Addison 2, D Ryan 2, J Shineberg, D Lycakis, N Ryan. Campbelltown – M Moore 2, B Freney, M Hogan, B Reid, D Linsen, T Sims.
Best : St George – D Donohue, M Graham, A Herne, D Ryan, T Addison, P McBride. Campbelltown – M Linsen, H Sherwood, D Linsen, B Joynson, S Hardy, B Reid.
At Olds Park, Saturday 17th June 2011.
Western Suburbs 3.3 5.4 9.5 14.7 (91)
University of NSW-Eastern Suburbs 1.3 5.5 8.7 10.9 (69)
Goals : Wests – M Eurell 5, K Walford 2, P Gannon 2, C Specha, S Pearson, B Lafferty, D Watkins, R Miller. UNSW-ES – T Widmer 5, N Tsindos, M Collett, J Parmenter, J Kiel, B Elleman.
Best : Wests – S Pearson, R Barrett, C McGrath, S Hudson, M Lemme, D Lambert. UNSW-ES – H Nichols, T Widmer, P Kefalas, R Pert, M Collett, C Jourdain.
At Picken Oval, Saturday 17th June 2011.
|
Black - Confirmed finalists
Green - Currently in a finals position, but not yet guaranteed a place in the finals
Blue - Not currently in a finals position, but still a chance to qualify
Purple - Will not be competing in the finals
Red - If the season ended now, would be relegated.
First Division
Sydney University 8.12 (60) d Western Suburbs 4.13 (37)
UTS 15.6 (96) d Illawarra 11.7 (73)
East Coast Eagles 11.7. (73) d North Shore 6.9 (45)
Sydney Uni 13.10 (88) d Pennant Hills 3.9 (27)
Western Suburbs 10.6 (66) d UNSW-ES 3.4 (22)
Southern Power 9.4 (58) d Manly-Warringah 5.4 (34)
North Shore 17.8 (110) d Illawarra 10.5 (65)
UTS 13.13 (91) d Macquarie Uni 7.13 (55)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Manly-Warringah (80, 232.98%), Sydney Uni (80, 125.41%), Southern Power (77.78, 151.10%), Macquarie Uni (70, 197.36%), East Coast (55.56, 138.18%), UTS (44.44, 98.62%), Pennant Hills (44.44, 80.97%), UNSW-ES (40, 65.15%), North Shore (33.33, 67.08%), Wests (20, 58.83%), Illawarra (9.09, 48.73%).
Second Division
Penrith 17.21 (123) d St George 5.5 (35)
Nor West 12.11 (83) d Camden 3.3. (21)
Auburn 10.13 (73) d Sydney University 7.8 (50)
St George 10.3 (63) d Manly-Warringah 9.8 (62)
Moorebank 6.12 (48) d Camden 4.10 (34)
Sydney Uni 6.10 (46) d Auburn 6.6 (42)
Holroyd-Parramatta 15.17 (107) d Penrith 6.9 (45)
Balmain 12.9 (81) d NorWest 12.8 (80)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Balmain (80, 149.38%), Penrith (70, 165.10%), Holroyd-Parramatta (70, 145.87%), Sydney Uni (70, 135.41%), Auburn (60, 100.16%), NorWest (50, 99.11%), St George (40, 68.86%), Moorebank (30, 87.43%), Manly-Warringah (20, 61.08%), Camden (10, 54.13%).
Third Division
UNSW/ES 26.17 (173) d North Shore 5.4 (34)
Sydney University 14.8 (92) d Western Suburbs 8.5 (53)
Saints afc 17.16 (118) d Campbelltown 5.4 (34)
UTS v East Coast Eagles – Washed Out
Western Suburbs 14.17 (101) d North Shore 3.12 (30)
Saints AFC 10.15 (75) d Southern Power 3.12 (30)
East Coast 7.7 (49) d Sydney Uni 5.8 (38)
UNSW-ES 20.24 (144) d Campbelltown 4.6 (30)
UTS 19.21 (135) d Macquarie Uni 6.5 (41)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – UNSW-ES (90, 253.78%), UTS (75, 153.37%), Sydney Uni (70, 136.63%), Saints AFC (66.67, 186.11%), Southern Power (44.44, 91.28%), Wests (44.44, 77.87%), East Coast (44.44, 76.04%), Macquarie Uni (40, 119.50%), Campbelltown (20, 39.30%), North Shore (10, 36.56%).
Fourth Division
Holroyd Parramatta 15.15 (105) d Auburn 7.8 (50)
UTS v Nor West – Washed Out
UNSW-ES 18.15 (123) d Moorebank 6.9 (45)
Penrith 10.20 (80) d Holroyd-Parramatta 4.6 (30)
Manly-Warringah 12.19 (91) d Auburn 7.5 (47)
Macquarie Uni 8.12 (60) d UTS 8.11 (59)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Macquarie Uni (100, 180.15%), Penrith (88.89, 204.60%), UTS (66.67, 150.87%), Moorebank (55.56, 105.30%), UNSW-ES (50, 92.88%), Holroyd-Parramatta (33.33, 92.28%), Manly-Warringah (25, 68.08%), NorWest (16.67, 77.08%), Auburn (11.11, 39.98%).
Fifth Division
Manly Warringah 8.8 (56) d Macquarie University 8.5 (53)
Saints afc 14.16 (100) d Sydney University 2.6 (18)
Southern Power 10.11 (71) d Saints AFC 1.9 (15)
Manly-Warringah 12.16 (88) d Holroyd-Parramatta 3.6 (24)
Moorebank 14.13 (97) d Camden 1.2 (8)
Sydney Uni 16.21 (117) d Macquarie Uni 2.3 (15)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Southern Power (100, 300.00%), Sydney Uni (60, 145.18%), Saints AFC (60, 129.48%), Moorebank (60, 127.69%), Manly-Warringah (60, 89.43%), Macquarie Uni (40, 99.83%), Camden (20, 60.97%), Holroyd-Parramatta (0, 28.02%).
Under 18s Premier
St George 14.14 (98) d Penrith 3.7 (25)
North Shore 8.10.(58) drew East Coast Eagles 8.10 (58)
Western Suburbs 7.7 (49) drew St Ignatius, Riverview 6.13 (49)
Pennant Hills 12.11 (83) d Sydney Uni 2.6 (18)
St George 14.9 (93) d Western Suburbs 6.3 (39)
St Ignatius Riverview 20.12 (132) d UNSW-ES 8.7 (55)
East Coast 23.17 (155) d Penrith 1.1 (7)
North Shore 12.11 (83) d Illawarra 4.11 (35)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – East Coast (95, 234.08%), North Shore (83.33, 197.24%), St Ignatius Riverview (70, 124.73%), Pennant Hills (66.67, 116.67%), Sydney Uni (60, 134.01%), St George (40, 116.24%), Penrith (30, 49.17%), Illawarra (25, 74.37%), Wests (25, 64.85%), UNSW-ES (10, 41.10%).
Under 18s Challenge
Moorebank 12.9 (81) d Southern Power 5.8 (38)
Mac Uni Warriors 18.10 (118) d Holroyd-Parramatta 11.10 (76)
Campbelltown 11.19 (85) d East Coast 4.5 (29)
Manly-Warringah 36.19 (235) d Mac Uni Kookas 0.2 (2)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Campbelltown (100, 301.97%), Mac Uni Warriors (75, 158.91%), Manly-Warringah (60, 148.62%), Southern Power (55.56, 112.40%), Holroyd-Parramatta (44.44, 117.42%), Balmain (37.5, 78.20%), Moorebank (33.33, 82.44%), East Coast (33.33, 58.52%), Mac Uni Kookas (11.11, 25.29%).
NEXT WEEK’S FIXTURES
Premier Division (Lurker’s Kiss of Death in bold)Saturday 25th June
Picken Oval – Western Suburbs v UTS (1:10pm)
Monarch Oval – Campbelltown v Pennant Hills (2:10pm)
Gore Hill Oval – North Shore v UNSW-ES (2:30pm)
Sunday 26th June
Drummoyne Oval – Balmain v Sydney Uni (2:10pm)
Bruce Purser Reserve – East Coast v St George (4:10pm)
BYE – Illawarra
First Division
Saturday 25th June
Picken Oval – Western Suburbs v UTS (11am)
Gore Hill Oval – North Shore v UNSW-ES (12:30pm)
Weldon Oval – Manly-Warringah v Pennant Hills (2:10pm)
University Oval – Macquarie Uni v Sydney Uni (6:10pm)
Sunday 26th June
Bruce Purser Reserve – East Coast v Southern Power (2pm)
BYE – Illawarra
Second Division
Saturday 25th June
Weldon Oval – Manly-Warringah v Camden (12pm)
Bensons Lane – NorWest v St George (2:10pm)
Mona Park – Auburn v Holroyd-Parramatta (2:10pm)
Rosedale Oval – Moorebank v Penrith (3:30pm)
Sunday 26th June
Drummoyne Oval – Balmain v Sydney Uni (12pm)
Third Division
Saturday 25th June
Picken Oval – Western Suburbs v UTS (9am)
Gore Hill Oval – North Shore v UNSW-ES (10:30am)
Monarch Oval – Campbelltown v Saints AFC (12pm)
University Oval – Macquarie Uni v Sydney Uni (4pm)
Sunday 26th June
Bruce Purser Reserve – East Coast v Southern Power (10am)
Fourth Division
Saturday 25th June
Bensons Lane – NorWest v UTS (12pm)
Mona Park – Auburn v Holroyd-Parramatta (12pm)
Rosedale Oval – Moorebank v Penrith (1:30pm)
University Oval – Macquarie Uni v Manly-Warringah (2pm)
BYE – UNSW-ES
Fifth Division
Saturday 25th June
Weldon Oval – Manly-Warringah v Camden (10am)
Rosedale Oval – Moorebank v Holroyd-Parramatta (11:30am)
University Oval – Macquarie Uni v Southern Power (12pm)
Pioneers Park – Saints AFC v Sydney Uni (2pm)
Under 18s Premier
Saturday 25th June
Gore Hill Oval – North Shore v UNSW-ES (8:30am)
Riverview First Field – St Ignatius Riverview v Pennant Hills (10am)
Cook Park – Penrith v Sydney Uni (3pm)
Sunday 26th June
Bruce Purser Reserve – East Coast v St George (2pm)
BYE – Western Suburbs, Illawarra.
Under 18s Challenge
Saturday 25th June
Rosedale Oval – Moorebank v Holroyd-Parramatta (9:30am)
Monarch Oval – Campbelltown v Mac Uni Kookas (10am)
Bruce Purser Reserve – East Coat v Mac Uni Warriors (12pm)
Sunday 26th June
Drummoyne Oval – Balmain v Southern Power (10am)
BYE – Manly-Warringah