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SYDNEY AFL ROUND 15 2011
Article and Photos by Michael Shillito
Saturday at Gore Hill Oval was a return to the past for many of North Shore?s greats. A well-attended past players? re-union brought back some big names from the club?s history; including the surviving members of their 1961 premiership team, celebrating the 50th anniversary of their flag. Lionel Byrne, who captain-coached North Shore?s 1961 flag, addressed the North Shore players before the game. But after an even first half, Pennant Hills lifted to spoil the North Shore party.
The Bombers made the early front-running. Long bombs by Ted Strudwick and Brendan Fitzgerald saw the Bombers take the lead, and they would retain the leadership through the first half. Four goals to one in the first quarter gave the Bombers a 17-point lead at quarter time, and when Daniel Roberts marked and goaled in the opening minute of the second term, the Bombers were looking well set.
It was a hard-fought contest, a willing and physical clash between two determined teams. The Demons objected to a late bump on Jason Clarke during the second term, and tempers flared as players remonstrated with each other as the half time siren sounded. Between those incidents, the Demons worked their way back into the contest. Three unanswered goals, including an excellent second effort by Damian Dell?Aquila after being unable to hold a mark but shaking off the Bomber defence to grubber a goal through, cut the margin back to a kick. The Demons could have taken the lead in the final minute of the quarter, but a push-out by Jonathan Gourlay saw a mark at the edge of the square being disallowed.
As it so often is, the third quarter was where the game was won and lost. The teams traded behinds early, but at the 10 minute mark Daniel De Looze was paid a free kick 45 metres out. His kick didn?t make the distance, going to a marking contest in the square. Gourlay was unable to hold the mark, but after the ball spilled to ground he soccered off the ground to kick the goal that gave the Demons the lead. From the centre break, the Demons went long and Robert Watts grabbed a one-out mark 25 metres from goal, and made no mistake with the kick.
Two minutes later, Luke Bilbe was left unattended in the goal square to receive a quick handball and another goal resulted. And as the clock ticked into time-on, the ball went long to the edge of the square. Gourlay held the ball, but for a split second less than what would have been long enough for the mark to be paid. But it didn?t matter, as Daniel Witt gathered the crumbs to put the goal through that gave the Demons a 17-point lead at the last change.
The Pennant Hills procession continued in the early stages of the final quarter. Bilbe, De Looze, Dell?Aquila and Robert Watts all kicked their second goal during the first 10 minutes of the quarter, as the Demons stretched their lead to 41 points; and were looking likely winners. The Bombers were shell-shocked; having not managed a goal since the opening minute of the second quarter, and time was running out.
But suddenly, out of nowhere, the Bombers suddenly lifted and a game that looked over suddenly sprang to life. A set shot from Teddy Strudwick at 18 minute finally ended the goal drought. But within three minutes, Pat Codling and Lachy Pryor had played on to goal and a free kick and 50 metre penalty to Ron Wason added another. Suddenly the margin was back to 17 points with still enough time for the Bombers to steal the game.
But the Demons tightened up, refusing to allow the Bombers any more easy kicks. The Bombers finally got the ball forward, on what was surely their last roll of the dice. But despite the efforts of the North Shore forwards, Tim Scoular outmuscled the Bombers to hold an important defensive mark, allowing the clock to tick down before returning the ball out of the danger zone and putting the result of the game beyond doubtl
Ben Attwood crumbed through a goal in the final minute to cut the final margin to 11 points, but it was too little too late. The Demons had taken the win, reversing the result from Mike Kenny Oval earlier in the season, and remaining ahead of the Bombers, now a game plus percentage clear.
Damian Dell?Aquila, Brant Jack and Seb Parker were among Pennant Hills? best, while the Bombers were well served all day by Chris Murphy, Joshua Terrey and Brendan Fitzgerald.
A keenly-anticipated match was at Sydney Uni No 1 on Saturday night, a replay of last year?s Grand Final with Sydney Uni taking on East Coast. The two sides have been going well in 2011, sitting in the top three; and had played a thriller in the opening round. This one would be even closer.
It was a game that would involve multiple lead changes, and would keep supporters in suspense till the end. On the short Sydney Uni ground, there can be quick goals on offer by going straight down the corridor; and the early exchanges looked like the game had the potential to become a shootout. But then both sides began to defend tighter, forcing their opponents out wide. A run of three goals in a row to the Students during the first term saw them lead by 12 points at the first change, but there were plenty more twists in this tale.
The second quarter saw the Eagles lift around the ground, turning on their midfield power and leaving the Students to be chasing the play for much of the quarter. The Eagles took the lead during the second term, in which they would kick five goals to two, to take an eight-point lead into the long break.
The Students worked hard in the third quarter to get themselves back into the contest, but came up short. They had their chances, but some poor finishing up forward would cost them dearly; with a return of 3.5 for the quarter and several more opportunities not resulting in scores. But the Eagles managed three goals as well during the quarter, and it was East Coast by four points at the last change.
On a chilly evening, with the crowd watching on from the grandstand, it would be a thriller. The Students would kick three goals in the final term, the Eagles two. The margin stayed close throughout, and when scores became deadlocked late in the game it was anyone?s game. The ball travelled from end to end, both sides looking for the winner, but it would not be forthcoming. The final siren sounded; and it was a draw.
With the Students and the Eagles having had a draw and a 2-point result this season, after an enthralling Grand Final last season, the two sides are evenly matched; and should they play off again during this year?s finals, it?s one to look forward to. Beyond that is anyone?s guess, as both clubs been accepted in the NEAFL in 2012, so their future in Premier Division from next year and beyond remains to be seen.
Tim Barton, Craig Moller and Ben Mankarious were among Sydney Uni?s best; while among East Coast?s best were Damien Charleston, Patrick Walton and Justin Steer.
Balmain moved a step closer to claiming the minor premiership on Saturday afternoon when they dominated from the start to record a convincing 73-point victory over Wests at Drummoyne Oval. The Dockers took control from the start, kicking seven goals to one in the first quarter to lead by 37 points at quarter time. The second quarter was just as one-sided, with another seven goal return for the Dockers as they stretched the lead to 67 points at the long break.
The Magpies salvaged some respectability into the scoreboard in the third term, with six goals and winning the quarter. But it wasn?t enough to give them any hope of getting back into the contest, and the Dockers lifted in the final quarter to re-take all the ground the Magpies had recovered in the third term.
The Balmain forward line was dominated by ex-Swans, with Jason Saddington contributing six goals and Nick Davis four. Saddington was best on ground, while James Howard and Matthew Edwins were also prominent. For the Magpies, Dwain Watkins, Matthew Lemme and Kyall Walford got plenty of the ball. But it was a day to celebrate for Balmain, their participation in the finals for the first time in ten years now secure and sitting pretty six points clear on top of the ladder.
At Henson Park on Saturday afternoon, a strong start was enough for St George to get over the line against UTS. Looking to get their season back on track after working hard but falling short against finals teams in their last three starts, the Dragons burst out of the blocks with five goals in the first quarter and a 26-point lead at the first change. But the Bats came out fighting as the second quarter started, and they worked to peg back the deficit. Five goals to two for the second term cut the St George lead to seven points at half time.
The Bats continued to work hard in the second half, keeping the Dragons under pressure, but were unable to snatch the lead. The Dragons had enough answers when it mattered. The margins were always tight, but the Dragons led by nine points at the last change and held the Bats out in the final term to record a 14-point win.
Jordan West followed up his strong debut last week with a best-on-ground performance in just his second game, while Andrew Hearne and Bryce McEvoy also had strong games for the Dragons. The Bats were well served around the ground by Michael Atkinson, Hamish Turner and Chris Tolj.
UNSW-ES?s 5-game losing streak is over, with the Bulldogs breaking through for a win when they achieved a 45-point result against Campbelltown at the Village Green on Saturday afternoon.
The first quarter was evenly contested, the Blues matching it with the Bulldogs around the ground but some wayward finishing prevented them from achieving reward for effort. Both sides had four scoring shots, but the Bulldogs? shots were all goals while the Blues could only manage behinds from theirs. The game then opened up in the second term, but with Josh Parmenter looking dangerous up forward the Bulldogs had more avenues to goal and led by 38 points at the long break.
It was four goals apiece in the third quarter, with the Blues trying everything to get back into the game, but the Bulldogs had the answers and the Blues were unable to make any lasting dent in the deficit. It was a similar story in the final quarter, which also saw four goals for each team; and the Bulldogs had done enough to ensure a comfortable win.
Josh Parmenter was the star up forward with nine goals, and along with Ben Woods and Tim Garrett was among UNSW-ES?s best. For the Blues, Scott Hardy, Ben Yakimov and Marcus Linsen worked hard all day.
Pennant Hills 1.1 4.4 8.5 12.6 (78)
North Shore 4.0 5.2 5.6 10.7 (67)
Goals : Pennant Hills ? D De Looze 2, R Watts 2, D Dell?Aquila 2, L Bilbe 2, R Gourlay 2, D Witt, M Thomas. North Shore ? B Attwood 2, T Strudwick 2, P Codling 2, R Wason, D Roberts, L Pryor, B Fitzgerald.
Best : Pennant Hills ? D Dell?Aquila, B Jack, S Parker, K Wright, D Witt, J Gourlay. North Shore ? C Murphy, J Terrey, B Fitzgerald, T Strudwick, B Oliver, L Pryor.
At Gore hill Oval, Saturday 16th July 2011.
Sydney University 5.1 7.1 10.6 13.8 (86)
East Coast Eagles 3.1 8.3 11.4 13.8 (86)
Goals : Sydney Uni ? M Clarke 3, S Crichton 3, A Turco, C Wells, B Mankarious, T Barton, J Cole, M Carter, C Moller. East Coast ? Jamie Vlatko 3, R Silvester 2, B Rogers 2, S Doyle, T Baker, S O?Connor, M Goodey, B Bourke.
Best : Sydney Uni ? T Barton, C Moller, B Mankarious, C Clarebrough, M Clarke, J Cole. East Coast ? D Charleston, P Walton, J Steer, A Savage, B Bourke, Jamie Vlatko.
At Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 16th July 2011.
Balmain 7.3 14.6 17.9 23.13 (151)
Western Suburbs 1.2 3.5 9.9 11.12 (78)
Goals : Balmain ? J Saddington 6, N Davis 4, J Britton 3, M Edwins 2, A Mitchell 2, K Underwood 2, J Howard 2, T Stevens, D Naughton. Wests ? M Eurell 3, D Watkins 3, K Walford 2, J Lear, C McGrath, S Pearson.
Best : Balmain ? J Saddington, J Howard, M Edwins, J Ryder, T Stevens, C Bolt. Wests ? D Watkins, M Lemme, K Walford, S Pearson, R Barrett, B Lafferty.
At Drummoyne Oval, Saturday 16th July 2011.
St George 5.2 7.3 10.4 14.10 (94)
University of Technology 1.0 6.2 8.7 12.8 (80)
Goals : St George ? D Ryan 3, S Wilsen 3, D Napper 2, N Ryan 2, B Jones 2, J Shineberg, S Richmond, A Wynn. UTS ? M Trehwella 3, D Teasdale 3, M Atkinson 3, N Crema, A Kymantas, N Robinson.
Best : St George ? J West, A Herne, B McEvoy, B Sharp, T Addison, D Ryan. UTS ? M Atkinson, H Turner, C Tolj, T Steinfort, N Robinson, A Kymantas.
At Henson Park, Saturday 16th July 2011.
Uni NSW-Eastern Suburbs 4.0 10.1 14.8 18.14 (122)
Campbelltown 0.4 3.5 7.8 11.11 (77)
Goals : UNSW-ES ? J Parmenter 9, L Lavery 3, T Garrett 2, M Collett, J Kiel, C Jourdain, B Woods. Campbelltown ? S Hardy 3, M Hogan 2, M Leach 2, B Yakimov 2, M Morey, D Linsen.
Best : UNSW-ES ? B Woods, J Parmenter, T Garrett, A Rodrigues, H Nichols, N McGann. Campbelltown ? S Hardy, B Yakimov, M Linsen, D Linsen, M Scully, B Sommerville.
At Village Green, Saturday 16th July 2011.
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Black - Confirmed finallists
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:
UTS 10.14 (74) d Southern Power 10.6 (66)
Manly-Warringah 14.14 (98) d UNSW-ES 7.3 (45)
North Shore 13.5 (83) d Pennant Hills 7.8 (50)
Macquarie Uni 8.10 (58) d Western Suburbs 8.7 (55)
East Coast 10.7 (67) d Sydney Uni 7.8 (50)
Ladder ? Manly-Warringah (48, 257.68%), Southern Power (40, 148.21%), Macquarie Uni (36, 171.89%), Sydney Uni (36, 101.27%), East Coast (28, 124.96%), UTS (24, 99.61%), Pennant Hills (24, 73.96%), UNSW-ES (24, 76.48%), North Shore (20, 75.39%), Wests (8, 61.95%), Illawarra (4, 46.26%).
Second Division:
Auburn 14.11 (95) d Balmain 7.11 (53)
Penrith 13.6 (84) d NorWest 5.9 (39)
Sydney Uni 10.10 (70) d Manly-Warringah 7.6 (48)
Holroyd-Parramatta 13.5 (83) d St George 12.10 (82)
Moorebank 14.8 (92 d Camden 7.10 (52)
Ladder (Match Ratio) ? Penrith (79, 188.55%), Holroyd-Parramatta (75, 147.93%), Sydney Uni (71, 133.17%), Balmain (68, 127.92%), Auburn (64, 114.44%), NorWest (50, 101.71%), Moorebank (29, 101.71%), Manly-Warringah (29, 71.44%), St George (29, 63.28%), Camden (7, 47.75%).
Third Division:
Saints AFC 19.15 (129) d North Shore 3.0 (18)
UTS 14.18 (102) d Southern Power 3.7 (25)
Western Suburbs 17.4 (106) d Campbelltown 7.8 (50)
UNSW-ES 19.17 (131) d Sydney Uni 6.2 (38)
Macquarie Uni 8.11 (59) d East Coast 6.9 (45)
Ladder (Match Ratio) ? UNSW-ES (92.86, 261.50%), UTS (83.33, 205.54%), Sydney Uni (71.43, 124.97%), Saints AFC (61.54, 175.91%), Southern Power (53.85, 99.08%), Macquarie Uni (42.86, 105.05%), Wests (38.46, 81.82%), East Coast (34.62, 69.23%), Campbelltown (21.43, 46.05%), North Shore (7.14, 27.49%).
Fourth Division:
Penrith 14.14 (98) d NorWest 8.3 (51)
UTS 10.16 (76) d Manly-Warringah 7.6 (48)
Holroyd-Parramatta 10.7 (67) d UNSW-ES 5.6 (36)
Moorebank 16.16 (112) d Macquarie Uni 6.2 (38)
Ladder (Match Ratio) ? Penrith (91.67, 217.67%), Macquarie Uni (90.91, 156.82%), UTS (60, 131.44%), Moorebank (53.85, 105.99%), Holroyd-Parramatta (46.15, 99.76%), UNSW-ES (46.15, 89.13%), Manly-Warringah (25, 69.82%), NorWest (20, 73.77%), Auburn (16.67, 46.56%).
Fifth Division:
Sydney Uni 12.18 (90) d Camden 6.7 (43)
Manly-Warringah 27.16 (178) d Holroyd-Parramatta 0.3 (3)
Moorebank 8.8 (56) d Macquarie Uni 7.3 (45)
Southern Power 14.11 (95) d Saints AFC 6.9 (45)
Ladder ? Southern Power (56, 300.45%), Moorebank (40, 165.43%), Manly-Warringah (36, 111.91%), Sydney Uni (32, 140.19%), Saints AFC (28, 112.03%), Macquarie Uni (24, 101.81%), Camden (8, 53.95%), Holroyd-Parramatta (0, 24.19%).
Under 18s Premier:
Western Suburbs 11.8 (74) d Penrith 8.6 (54)
UNSW-ES 8.7 (55) drew St George 8.7 (55)
Pennant Hills 11.8 (74) d North Shore 8.5 (53)
East Coast 19.13 (127) d Sydney Uni 5.4 (34)
St Ignatius Riverview 11.9 (75) d Illawarra 7.6 (48)
Ladder (Match Ratio) ? East Coast (96.43, 251.34%), North Shore (73.08, 160.51%), St Ignatius Riverview (71.43, 121.16%, Pennant Hills (69.23, 114.26%), Sydney Uni (57.14, 114.89%), Illawarra (34.62, 93.33%), Wests (34.62, 77.84%), St George (32.14, 92.25%), Penrith (21.43, 51.22%), UNSW-ES (10.71, 42.82%).
Under 18s Challenge:
East Coast 8.7 (55) d Holroyd-Parramatta 5.6 (36)
Campbelltown 18.12 (120) d Moorebank 3.6 (24)
Mac Uni Warriors 15.13 (103) d Manly-Warringah 7.8 (50)
Balmain 29.18 (192) d Mac Uni Kookas 1.2 (8)
Ladder (Match Ratio) ? Campbelltown (100, 343.97%), Mac Uni Warriors (83.33, 172.86%), Manly-Warringah (53.85, 122.32%), Holroyd-Parramatta (53.85, 120.53%), Southern Power (50, 130.27%), Balmain (50, 115.60%), East Coast (33.33, 65.42%), Moorebank (23.08, 61.20%), Mac Uni Kookas (7.69, 19.57%).
THE RUN HOME
The draw between Sydney Uni and East Coast was the best possible result for Balmain but the worst possible result for Pennant Hills.
Balmain remain on top, their gap extended to one and a half wins over East Coast and Sydney Uni; so even with the Eagles having a game in hand, the Dockers have a handy lead on top. Balmain and East Coast play off next week, a win for the Dockers would make the minor premiership look very safe but would virtually end East Coast?s chances of finishing top.
But the draw means East Coast and Sydney Uni are a game and a half ahead of Pennant Hills, although the Demons have a game in hand over Sydney Uni. The Demons play the Students in a couple of weeks, and if they can get the points in that game the race for third place will still be up for grabs.
North Shore are a further game behind Pennant Hills, but retain fifth place, a win plus plenty of percentage ahead of Illawarra. But both have tough runs home, with North Shore still to play back-to-back games against Balmain and Sydney Uni; while Illawarra have East Coast and Sydney Uni in the last two rounds.
UNSW-ES and St George are a further game behind Illawarra, but they still have a second bye to come, so time is running out. And it?s still mathematically possible for Wests to qualify for the finals, but would require a set of upsets and freak results.
The remaining games for the teams still in contention are:
NEXT WEEK?S FIXTURES
Premier Division (Lurker?s Kiss of Death in bold):
Saturday 23rd July
Bruce Purser Reserve ? East Coast v Balmain (2:10pm)
Mike Kenny Oval ? Pennant Hills v UTS (2:10pm)
Village Green ? UNSW-ES v Sydney Uni (2:10pm)
Picken Oval ? Western Suburbs v Illawarra (2:30pm)
Sunday 24th July
Monarch Oval ? Campbelltown v North Shore
BYE ? St George
First Division:
Saturday 23rd July
Bruce Purser Reserve ? East Coast v Macquarie Uni (12pm)
Mike Kenny Oval ? Pennant Hills v UTS (12pm)
Village Green ? UNSW-ES v Sydney Uni (12pm)
Picken Oval ? Western Suburbs v Illawarra (12:30pm)
Gore Hill Oval ? North Shore v Manly-Warringah (2pm)
BYE ? Southern Power.
Second Division:
Saturday 23rd July
Bensons Lane ? NorWest v Moorebank (2:10pm)
Harrington Park ? Camden v Holroyd-Parramatta (2:10pm)
Mona Park ? Auburn v Penrith (2:10pm)
St Pauls Oval ? Sydney Uni v Balmain (2:10pm)
Weldon Oval ? Manly-Warringah v St George (2:10pm)
Third Division:
Saturday 23rd July
Picken Oval ? Western Suburbs v Saints AFC (8:30am)
Sunday 24th July
Monarch Oval ? Campbelltown v North Shore (12pm)
Gwawley Oval ? Southern Power v UTS (12pm)
BYE ? East Coast, Macquarie Uni, Sydney Uni, UNSW-ES
Fourth Division:
Saturday 23rd July
Village Green ? UNSW-ES v UTS (10am)
Bensons Lane ? NorWest v Moorebank (12pm)
Mona Park ? Auburn v Penrith (12pm)
University Oval ? Macquarie Uni v Holroyd-Parramatta (12pm)
BYE ? Manly-Warringah.
Fifth Division:
Saturday 23rd July
Harrington Park ? Camden v Holroyd-Parramatta (12pm)
Pioneers Park ? Saints AFC v Macquarie Uni (12pm)
St Pals Oval ? Sydney Uni v Macquarie Uni (12pm)
Sunday 24th July
Rosedale Oval ? Moorebank v Southern Power (2pm)
Under 18s Premier:
Saturday 23rd July
Mike Kenny Oval ? Pennant Hills v North Shore (10am)
Picken Oval ? Western Suburbs v Illawarra (10:30am)
BYE ? East Coast, Penrith, St George, St Ignatius Riverview, Sydney Uni, UNSW-ES.
Under 18s Challenge:
Saturday 23rd July
Bruce Purser Reserve ? East Coast v Balmain (10am)
University Oval ? Mac Uni Kookas v Holroyd-Parramatta (10am)
Weldon Oval ? Manly-Warringah v Southern Power (12pm)
Sunday 24th July
Monarch Oval ? Campbelltown v Mac Uni Warriors (10am)
BYE ? Moorebank.
Article and Photos by Michael Shillito
Saturday at Gore Hill Oval was a return to the past for many of North Shore?s greats. A well-attended past players? re-union brought back some big names from the club?s history; including the surviving members of their 1961 premiership team, celebrating the 50th anniversary of their flag. Lionel Byrne, who captain-coached North Shore?s 1961 flag, addressed the North Shore players before the game. But after an even first half, Pennant Hills lifted to spoil the North Shore party.
The Bombers made the early front-running. Long bombs by Ted Strudwick and Brendan Fitzgerald saw the Bombers take the lead, and they would retain the leadership through the first half. Four goals to one in the first quarter gave the Bombers a 17-point lead at quarter time, and when Daniel Roberts marked and goaled in the opening minute of the second term, the Bombers were looking well set.
It was a hard-fought contest, a willing and physical clash between two determined teams. The Demons objected to a late bump on Jason Clarke during the second term, and tempers flared as players remonstrated with each other as the half time siren sounded. Between those incidents, the Demons worked their way back into the contest. Three unanswered goals, including an excellent second effort by Damian Dell?Aquila after being unable to hold a mark but shaking off the Bomber defence to grubber a goal through, cut the margin back to a kick. The Demons could have taken the lead in the final minute of the quarter, but a push-out by Jonathan Gourlay saw a mark at the edge of the square being disallowed.
As it so often is, the third quarter was where the game was won and lost. The teams traded behinds early, but at the 10 minute mark Daniel De Looze was paid a free kick 45 metres out. His kick didn?t make the distance, going to a marking contest in the square. Gourlay was unable to hold the mark, but after the ball spilled to ground he soccered off the ground to kick the goal that gave the Demons the lead. From the centre break, the Demons went long and Robert Watts grabbed a one-out mark 25 metres from goal, and made no mistake with the kick.
Two minutes later, Luke Bilbe was left unattended in the goal square to receive a quick handball and another goal resulted. And as the clock ticked into time-on, the ball went long to the edge of the square. Gourlay held the ball, but for a split second less than what would have been long enough for the mark to be paid. But it didn?t matter, as Daniel Witt gathered the crumbs to put the goal through that gave the Demons a 17-point lead at the last change.
The Pennant Hills procession continued in the early stages of the final quarter. Bilbe, De Looze, Dell?Aquila and Robert Watts all kicked their second goal during the first 10 minutes of the quarter, as the Demons stretched their lead to 41 points; and were looking likely winners. The Bombers were shell-shocked; having not managed a goal since the opening minute of the second quarter, and time was running out.
But suddenly, out of nowhere, the Bombers suddenly lifted and a game that looked over suddenly sprang to life. A set shot from Teddy Strudwick at 18 minute finally ended the goal drought. But within three minutes, Pat Codling and Lachy Pryor had played on to goal and a free kick and 50 metre penalty to Ron Wason added another. Suddenly the margin was back to 17 points with still enough time for the Bombers to steal the game.
But the Demons tightened up, refusing to allow the Bombers any more easy kicks. The Bombers finally got the ball forward, on what was surely their last roll of the dice. But despite the efforts of the North Shore forwards, Tim Scoular outmuscled the Bombers to hold an important defensive mark, allowing the clock to tick down before returning the ball out of the danger zone and putting the result of the game beyond doubtl
Ben Attwood crumbed through a goal in the final minute to cut the final margin to 11 points, but it was too little too late. The Demons had taken the win, reversing the result from Mike Kenny Oval earlier in the season, and remaining ahead of the Bombers, now a game plus percentage clear.
Damian Dell?Aquila, Brant Jack and Seb Parker were among Pennant Hills? best, while the Bombers were well served all day by Chris Murphy, Joshua Terrey and Brendan Fitzgerald.
A keenly-anticipated match was at Sydney Uni No 1 on Saturday night, a replay of last year?s Grand Final with Sydney Uni taking on East Coast. The two sides have been going well in 2011, sitting in the top three; and had played a thriller in the opening round. This one would be even closer.
It was a game that would involve multiple lead changes, and would keep supporters in suspense till the end. On the short Sydney Uni ground, there can be quick goals on offer by going straight down the corridor; and the early exchanges looked like the game had the potential to become a shootout. But then both sides began to defend tighter, forcing their opponents out wide. A run of three goals in a row to the Students during the first term saw them lead by 12 points at the first change, but there were plenty more twists in this tale.
The second quarter saw the Eagles lift around the ground, turning on their midfield power and leaving the Students to be chasing the play for much of the quarter. The Eagles took the lead during the second term, in which they would kick five goals to two, to take an eight-point lead into the long break.
The Students worked hard in the third quarter to get themselves back into the contest, but came up short. They had their chances, but some poor finishing up forward would cost them dearly; with a return of 3.5 for the quarter and several more opportunities not resulting in scores. But the Eagles managed three goals as well during the quarter, and it was East Coast by four points at the last change.
On a chilly evening, with the crowd watching on from the grandstand, it would be a thriller. The Students would kick three goals in the final term, the Eagles two. The margin stayed close throughout, and when scores became deadlocked late in the game it was anyone?s game. The ball travelled from end to end, both sides looking for the winner, but it would not be forthcoming. The final siren sounded; and it was a draw.
With the Students and the Eagles having had a draw and a 2-point result this season, after an enthralling Grand Final last season, the two sides are evenly matched; and should they play off again during this year?s finals, it?s one to look forward to. Beyond that is anyone?s guess, as both clubs been accepted in the NEAFL in 2012, so their future in Premier Division from next year and beyond remains to be seen.
Tim Barton, Craig Moller and Ben Mankarious were among Sydney Uni?s best; while among East Coast?s best were Damien Charleston, Patrick Walton and Justin Steer.
Balmain moved a step closer to claiming the minor premiership on Saturday afternoon when they dominated from the start to record a convincing 73-point victory over Wests at Drummoyne Oval. The Dockers took control from the start, kicking seven goals to one in the first quarter to lead by 37 points at quarter time. The second quarter was just as one-sided, with another seven goal return for the Dockers as they stretched the lead to 67 points at the long break.
The Magpies salvaged some respectability into the scoreboard in the third term, with six goals and winning the quarter. But it wasn?t enough to give them any hope of getting back into the contest, and the Dockers lifted in the final quarter to re-take all the ground the Magpies had recovered in the third term.
The Balmain forward line was dominated by ex-Swans, with Jason Saddington contributing six goals and Nick Davis four. Saddington was best on ground, while James Howard and Matthew Edwins were also prominent. For the Magpies, Dwain Watkins, Matthew Lemme and Kyall Walford got plenty of the ball. But it was a day to celebrate for Balmain, their participation in the finals for the first time in ten years now secure and sitting pretty six points clear on top of the ladder.
At Henson Park on Saturday afternoon, a strong start was enough for St George to get over the line against UTS. Looking to get their season back on track after working hard but falling short against finals teams in their last three starts, the Dragons burst out of the blocks with five goals in the first quarter and a 26-point lead at the first change. But the Bats came out fighting as the second quarter started, and they worked to peg back the deficit. Five goals to two for the second term cut the St George lead to seven points at half time.
The Bats continued to work hard in the second half, keeping the Dragons under pressure, but were unable to snatch the lead. The Dragons had enough answers when it mattered. The margins were always tight, but the Dragons led by nine points at the last change and held the Bats out in the final term to record a 14-point win.
Jordan West followed up his strong debut last week with a best-on-ground performance in just his second game, while Andrew Hearne and Bryce McEvoy also had strong games for the Dragons. The Bats were well served around the ground by Michael Atkinson, Hamish Turner and Chris Tolj.
UNSW-ES?s 5-game losing streak is over, with the Bulldogs breaking through for a win when they achieved a 45-point result against Campbelltown at the Village Green on Saturday afternoon.
The first quarter was evenly contested, the Blues matching it with the Bulldogs around the ground but some wayward finishing prevented them from achieving reward for effort. Both sides had four scoring shots, but the Bulldogs? shots were all goals while the Blues could only manage behinds from theirs. The game then opened up in the second term, but with Josh Parmenter looking dangerous up forward the Bulldogs had more avenues to goal and led by 38 points at the long break.
It was four goals apiece in the third quarter, with the Blues trying everything to get back into the game, but the Bulldogs had the answers and the Blues were unable to make any lasting dent in the deficit. It was a similar story in the final quarter, which also saw four goals for each team; and the Bulldogs had done enough to ensure a comfortable win.
Josh Parmenter was the star up forward with nine goals, and along with Ben Woods and Tim Garrett was among UNSW-ES?s best. For the Blues, Scott Hardy, Ben Yakimov and Marcus Linsen worked hard all day.
Pennant Hills 1.1 4.4 8.5 12.6 (78)
North Shore 4.0 5.2 5.6 10.7 (67)
Goals : Pennant Hills ? D De Looze 2, R Watts 2, D Dell?Aquila 2, L Bilbe 2, R Gourlay 2, D Witt, M Thomas. North Shore ? B Attwood 2, T Strudwick 2, P Codling 2, R Wason, D Roberts, L Pryor, B Fitzgerald.
Best : Pennant Hills ? D Dell?Aquila, B Jack, S Parker, K Wright, D Witt, J Gourlay. North Shore ? C Murphy, J Terrey, B Fitzgerald, T Strudwick, B Oliver, L Pryor.
At Gore hill Oval, Saturday 16th July 2011.
Sydney University 5.1 7.1 10.6 13.8 (86)
East Coast Eagles 3.1 8.3 11.4 13.8 (86)
Goals : Sydney Uni ? M Clarke 3, S Crichton 3, A Turco, C Wells, B Mankarious, T Barton, J Cole, M Carter, C Moller. East Coast ? Jamie Vlatko 3, R Silvester 2, B Rogers 2, S Doyle, T Baker, S O?Connor, M Goodey, B Bourke.
Best : Sydney Uni ? T Barton, C Moller, B Mankarious, C Clarebrough, M Clarke, J Cole. East Coast ? D Charleston, P Walton, J Steer, A Savage, B Bourke, Jamie Vlatko.
At Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 16th July 2011.
Balmain 7.3 14.6 17.9 23.13 (151)
Western Suburbs 1.2 3.5 9.9 11.12 (78)
Goals : Balmain ? J Saddington 6, N Davis 4, J Britton 3, M Edwins 2, A Mitchell 2, K Underwood 2, J Howard 2, T Stevens, D Naughton. Wests ? M Eurell 3, D Watkins 3, K Walford 2, J Lear, C McGrath, S Pearson.
Best : Balmain ? J Saddington, J Howard, M Edwins, J Ryder, T Stevens, C Bolt. Wests ? D Watkins, M Lemme, K Walford, S Pearson, R Barrett, B Lafferty.
At Drummoyne Oval, Saturday 16th July 2011.
St George 5.2 7.3 10.4 14.10 (94)
University of Technology 1.0 6.2 8.7 12.8 (80)
Goals : St George ? D Ryan 3, S Wilsen 3, D Napper 2, N Ryan 2, B Jones 2, J Shineberg, S Richmond, A Wynn. UTS ? M Trehwella 3, D Teasdale 3, M Atkinson 3, N Crema, A Kymantas, N Robinson.
Best : St George ? J West, A Herne, B McEvoy, B Sharp, T Addison, D Ryan. UTS ? M Atkinson, H Turner, C Tolj, T Steinfort, N Robinson, A Kymantas.
At Henson Park, Saturday 16th July 2011.
Uni NSW-Eastern Suburbs 4.0 10.1 14.8 18.14 (122)
Campbelltown 0.4 3.5 7.8 11.11 (77)
Goals : UNSW-ES ? J Parmenter 9, L Lavery 3, T Garrett 2, M Collett, J Kiel, C Jourdain, B Woods. Campbelltown ? S Hardy 3, M Hogan 2, M Leach 2, B Yakimov 2, M Morey, D Linsen.
Best : UNSW-ES ? B Woods, J Parmenter, T Garrett, A Rodrigues, H Nichols, N McGann. Campbelltown ? S Hardy, B Yakimov, M Linsen, D Linsen, M Scully, B Sommerville.
At Village Green, Saturday 16th July 2011.
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| Play | Won | Draw | Lost | For | Agnst | Pts | %age | Strk | |
| Balmain | 14 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 1,320 | 984 | 85.71 | 134.15 | W1 |
| East Coast | 13 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 1,493 | 699 | 80.77 | 213.59 | D1 |
| Sydney Uni | 14 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 1,509 | 987 | 75 | 152.89 | D1 |
| Pennant Hills | 13 | 9 | 0 | 4 | 1,183 | 875 | 69.23 | 135.20 | W4 |
| North Shore | 13 | 8 | 0 | 5 | 1,047 | 974 | 61.54 | 107.49 | L2 |
| Illawarra | 13 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 954 | 974 | 53.85 | 97.95 | W2 |
| UNSW-ES | 14 | 6 | 0 | 8 | 1,156 | 1,219 | 42.86 | 94.83 | W1 |
| St George | 14 | 6 | 0 | 8 | 995 | 1,276 | 42.86 | 77.98 | W1 |
| Western Suburbs | 13 | 4 | 0 | 9 | 850 | 1,056 | 30.77 | 80.48 | L1 |
| UTS | 13 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 805 | 1,462 | 7.69 | 55.06 | L4 |
| Campbelltown | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 796 | 1,602 | 0 | 49.69 | L14 |
Black - Confirmed finallists
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:
UTS 10.14 (74) d Southern Power 10.6 (66)
Manly-Warringah 14.14 (98) d UNSW-ES 7.3 (45)
North Shore 13.5 (83) d Pennant Hills 7.8 (50)
Macquarie Uni 8.10 (58) d Western Suburbs 8.7 (55)
East Coast 10.7 (67) d Sydney Uni 7.8 (50)
Ladder ? Manly-Warringah (48, 257.68%), Southern Power (40, 148.21%), Macquarie Uni (36, 171.89%), Sydney Uni (36, 101.27%), East Coast (28, 124.96%), UTS (24, 99.61%), Pennant Hills (24, 73.96%), UNSW-ES (24, 76.48%), North Shore (20, 75.39%), Wests (8, 61.95%), Illawarra (4, 46.26%).
Second Division:
Auburn 14.11 (95) d Balmain 7.11 (53)
Penrith 13.6 (84) d NorWest 5.9 (39)
Sydney Uni 10.10 (70) d Manly-Warringah 7.6 (48)
Holroyd-Parramatta 13.5 (83) d St George 12.10 (82)
Moorebank 14.8 (92 d Camden 7.10 (52)
Ladder (Match Ratio) ? Penrith (79, 188.55%), Holroyd-Parramatta (75, 147.93%), Sydney Uni (71, 133.17%), Balmain (68, 127.92%), Auburn (64, 114.44%), NorWest (50, 101.71%), Moorebank (29, 101.71%), Manly-Warringah (29, 71.44%), St George (29, 63.28%), Camden (7, 47.75%).
Third Division:
Saints AFC 19.15 (129) d North Shore 3.0 (18)
UTS 14.18 (102) d Southern Power 3.7 (25)
Western Suburbs 17.4 (106) d Campbelltown 7.8 (50)
UNSW-ES 19.17 (131) d Sydney Uni 6.2 (38)
Macquarie Uni 8.11 (59) d East Coast 6.9 (45)
Ladder (Match Ratio) ? UNSW-ES (92.86, 261.50%), UTS (83.33, 205.54%), Sydney Uni (71.43, 124.97%), Saints AFC (61.54, 175.91%), Southern Power (53.85, 99.08%), Macquarie Uni (42.86, 105.05%), Wests (38.46, 81.82%), East Coast (34.62, 69.23%), Campbelltown (21.43, 46.05%), North Shore (7.14, 27.49%).
Fourth Division:
Penrith 14.14 (98) d NorWest 8.3 (51)
UTS 10.16 (76) d Manly-Warringah 7.6 (48)
Holroyd-Parramatta 10.7 (67) d UNSW-ES 5.6 (36)
Moorebank 16.16 (112) d Macquarie Uni 6.2 (38)
Ladder (Match Ratio) ? Penrith (91.67, 217.67%), Macquarie Uni (90.91, 156.82%), UTS (60, 131.44%), Moorebank (53.85, 105.99%), Holroyd-Parramatta (46.15, 99.76%), UNSW-ES (46.15, 89.13%), Manly-Warringah (25, 69.82%), NorWest (20, 73.77%), Auburn (16.67, 46.56%).
Fifth Division:
Sydney Uni 12.18 (90) d Camden 6.7 (43)
Manly-Warringah 27.16 (178) d Holroyd-Parramatta 0.3 (3)
Moorebank 8.8 (56) d Macquarie Uni 7.3 (45)
Southern Power 14.11 (95) d Saints AFC 6.9 (45)
Ladder ? Southern Power (56, 300.45%), Moorebank (40, 165.43%), Manly-Warringah (36, 111.91%), Sydney Uni (32, 140.19%), Saints AFC (28, 112.03%), Macquarie Uni (24, 101.81%), Camden (8, 53.95%), Holroyd-Parramatta (0, 24.19%).
Under 18s Premier:
Western Suburbs 11.8 (74) d Penrith 8.6 (54)
UNSW-ES 8.7 (55) drew St George 8.7 (55)
Pennant Hills 11.8 (74) d North Shore 8.5 (53)
East Coast 19.13 (127) d Sydney Uni 5.4 (34)
St Ignatius Riverview 11.9 (75) d Illawarra 7.6 (48)
Ladder (Match Ratio) ? East Coast (96.43, 251.34%), North Shore (73.08, 160.51%), St Ignatius Riverview (71.43, 121.16%, Pennant Hills (69.23, 114.26%), Sydney Uni (57.14, 114.89%), Illawarra (34.62, 93.33%), Wests (34.62, 77.84%), St George (32.14, 92.25%), Penrith (21.43, 51.22%), UNSW-ES (10.71, 42.82%).
Under 18s Challenge:
East Coast 8.7 (55) d Holroyd-Parramatta 5.6 (36)
Campbelltown 18.12 (120) d Moorebank 3.6 (24)
Mac Uni Warriors 15.13 (103) d Manly-Warringah 7.8 (50)
Balmain 29.18 (192) d Mac Uni Kookas 1.2 (8)
Ladder (Match Ratio) ? Campbelltown (100, 343.97%), Mac Uni Warriors (83.33, 172.86%), Manly-Warringah (53.85, 122.32%), Holroyd-Parramatta (53.85, 120.53%), Southern Power (50, 130.27%), Balmain (50, 115.60%), East Coast (33.33, 65.42%), Moorebank (23.08, 61.20%), Mac Uni Kookas (7.69, 19.57%).
THE RUN HOME
The draw between Sydney Uni and East Coast was the best possible result for Balmain but the worst possible result for Pennant Hills.
Balmain remain on top, their gap extended to one and a half wins over East Coast and Sydney Uni; so even with the Eagles having a game in hand, the Dockers have a handy lead on top. Balmain and East Coast play off next week, a win for the Dockers would make the minor premiership look very safe but would virtually end East Coast?s chances of finishing top.
But the draw means East Coast and Sydney Uni are a game and a half ahead of Pennant Hills, although the Demons have a game in hand over Sydney Uni. The Demons play the Students in a couple of weeks, and if they can get the points in that game the race for third place will still be up for grabs.
North Shore are a further game behind Pennant Hills, but retain fifth place, a win plus plenty of percentage ahead of Illawarra. But both have tough runs home, with North Shore still to play back-to-back games against Balmain and Sydney Uni; while Illawarra have East Coast and Sydney Uni in the last two rounds.
UNSW-ES and St George are a further game behind Illawarra, but they still have a second bye to come, so time is running out. And it?s still mathematically possible for Wests to qualify for the finals, but would require a set of upsets and freak results.
The remaining games for the teams still in contention are:
| Balmain | 12 wins, 134.15% | East Cst (BPR) | Camp'town (Drum) | Nth Shr (Henson) | St George (Olds) | bye |
| East Coast | 10.5 wins, 213.59% | Balmain (BPR) | UTS (Waverley) | Camp'town (BPR) | Illawarra (N Dalt) | Wests (B Purser) |
| Sydney Uni | 10.5 wins, 152.89% | UNSW-ES (VGrn) | Penn Hills (SU#1) | bye | Nth Shre (Gore H) | Illawarra (SU#1) |
| Pennant Hills | 9 wins, 135.20% | UTS (Mike Kenny) | Syd Uni (SU No 1) | Wests (Blacktown) | UNSW-ES (M Ken) | St George (Olds) |
| North Shore | 8 wins, 107.49% | Camp'town (Mon) | Wests (Gore Hill) | Balmain (Henson) | Syd Uni (Gore Hill) | UNSW-ES (VlGrn) |
| Illawarra | 7 wins, 97.65% | Wests (Picken) | St George (Olds) | UTS (Nth Dalton) | East Coast (NthD) | Syd Uni (SU No 1) |
| UNSW-ES | 6 wins, 94.83% | Syd Uni (VGrn) | bye | St George (Vil Grn) | Pen Hills (M Ken) | Nth Shre (Vil Grn) |
| St George | 6 wins, 77.98% | bye | Illawarra (Olds) | UNSW-ES (Vil Grn) | Balmain (Olds) | Pen Hills (Olds) |
| Wests | 4 wins, 80.49% | Illawarra (Picken) | Nth Shre (Gore H) | Pen Hills (B'town) | UTS (Henson) | East Coast (BPR) |
NEXT WEEK?S FIXTURES
Premier Division (Lurker?s Kiss of Death in bold):
Saturday 23rd July
Bruce Purser Reserve ? East Coast v Balmain (2:10pm)
Mike Kenny Oval ? Pennant Hills v UTS (2:10pm)
Village Green ? UNSW-ES v Sydney Uni (2:10pm)
Picken Oval ? Western Suburbs v Illawarra (2:30pm)
Sunday 24th July
Monarch Oval ? Campbelltown v North Shore
BYE ? St George
First Division:
Saturday 23rd July
Bruce Purser Reserve ? East Coast v Macquarie Uni (12pm)
Mike Kenny Oval ? Pennant Hills v UTS (12pm)
Village Green ? UNSW-ES v Sydney Uni (12pm)
Picken Oval ? Western Suburbs v Illawarra (12:30pm)
Gore Hill Oval ? North Shore v Manly-Warringah (2pm)
BYE ? Southern Power.
Second Division:
Saturday 23rd July
Bensons Lane ? NorWest v Moorebank (2:10pm)
Harrington Park ? Camden v Holroyd-Parramatta (2:10pm)
Mona Park ? Auburn v Penrith (2:10pm)
St Pauls Oval ? Sydney Uni v Balmain (2:10pm)
Weldon Oval ? Manly-Warringah v St George (2:10pm)
Third Division:
Saturday 23rd July
Picken Oval ? Western Suburbs v Saints AFC (8:30am)
Sunday 24th July
Monarch Oval ? Campbelltown v North Shore (12pm)
Gwawley Oval ? Southern Power v UTS (12pm)
BYE ? East Coast, Macquarie Uni, Sydney Uni, UNSW-ES
Fourth Division:
Saturday 23rd July
Village Green ? UNSW-ES v UTS (10am)
Bensons Lane ? NorWest v Moorebank (12pm)
Mona Park ? Auburn v Penrith (12pm)
University Oval ? Macquarie Uni v Holroyd-Parramatta (12pm)
BYE ? Manly-Warringah.
Fifth Division:
Saturday 23rd July
Harrington Park ? Camden v Holroyd-Parramatta (12pm)
Pioneers Park ? Saints AFC v Macquarie Uni (12pm)
St Pals Oval ? Sydney Uni v Macquarie Uni (12pm)
Sunday 24th July
Rosedale Oval ? Moorebank v Southern Power (2pm)
Under 18s Premier:
Saturday 23rd July
Mike Kenny Oval ? Pennant Hills v North Shore (10am)
Picken Oval ? Western Suburbs v Illawarra (10:30am)
BYE ? East Coast, Penrith, St George, St Ignatius Riverview, Sydney Uni, UNSW-ES.
Under 18s Challenge:
Saturday 23rd July
Bruce Purser Reserve ? East Coast v Balmain (10am)
University Oval ? Mac Uni Kookas v Holroyd-Parramatta (10am)
Weldon Oval ? Manly-Warringah v Southern Power (12pm)
Sunday 24th July
Monarch Oval ? Campbelltown v Mac Uni Warriors (10am)
BYE ? Moorebank.