Tom Mitchell and Brodie Grundy tried to will the Vikings over the line but they came up painfully short. 1165 v 1208 saw the Armadillos scrape through by luck
In what ended up being a comfortable victory for the visiting Barcrawlers, it was the depth in midfield and a stellar performance from ruckmen Callum Sinclair that got the vistors over the line. Final scores Serengeti Buffaloes 1012 def by Banchang Barcrawlers 1242 Defences for both sides stood up well with even contributions across the lines. Both forward lines also cancelled each other out although the Barcrawlers enjoyed much more consistent performances compared to the Buffaloes efforts of 131 to young Zac Merrett in stark contrast to the permanent tease Charlie Dixon who put up 35. The midfield was where this game was won and when captain Dangerfield was only able to contribute a mere human score of 77 and unable to carry the team on his broad shoulders again to cover the likes of Polec (8) & Aish (48) the game was never really in doubt. Solid contributions from Barcrawlers Gibson (98), Adams (95) and the youngster Cunningham (102) were topped off by new recruit Sinclair (116) dominating the inconsistent Hickey in the ruck to take the OORFF trophy back home once again to Banchang. VOTES 3 Zac Merrett 131 (SER) 2 Callum Sinclair 116 (BAN) 1 Joe Daniher 113 (SER)
Pakenhams first home game of the year ended up being a lot closer then what was thought. The Cudas had the strength on the park but failed to capitalise in the final term, poor scores from a few of the Groote boys had the coach slightly worried. In the end the Parasites didn't do the things needed to win. Zorko was Great as was Hanners and GAJ for the home team. Special mention to Rooey showing he still got it after 300 games. Lots of others just stunk Final scores Pakenham 1146 Groote Eyelandt 1221 Pakenham are in a world of pain with injuries for something different but are super super super excited about the performances of Schache. The fans are excited to see when he will make his debut for the team....we think it's sooner rather then later
The Crocs unfurled their wooden spoon in front of a record crowd....mainly because the stadium had 15 Cow Bay players sitting in the stands. Up against the visiting Blowflies, the Cow Bay defence and mids were smashed thanks to half of the players missing in these lines. Libba has slotted straight back into the lineup and 2nd year player DeGoey didn't quite pull his weight. Ceglar battled for his 58 points and performed below expectations. However, tt was the Crocs forward line that shone brightly with Gunston (93), Martin (111) and Jerrett (104) leading the way. The Blowflies had winners all over the field. JJ (123) has been a revelation down back this year, Blicavs (115) continued where he left off from last year, Hartung (104) has grabbed his opportunity with both hands, Goldy (95) wasn't far off triple figures and SJ (118) provided a focal point up front. From 11 players, the Crocs managed 777 and were no match for the Blowflies who managed a decent score of 1283 and managed a 505 point win for their first 4 points for the year.
Alas, the only songs being sung by Smuggler fans are laments, as the home team went down to an impressive Pearcedale, (coached by @TigersTooTough) outfit 1133 to 1357. However, numerous songs of praise will be sung about the efforts of Panther Josh Gibson, who turned the game Pearcedale's way with a remarkable 191. The Smugglers had staged a reasonable fight-back in the third quarter, keeping Pearcedale's guns Heath Shaw (74) and Caddy (78) contained and looked set to take the game down to the wire, before Gibbo exploded, intercepting everything that came his way, completely shutting down Christmas Island's path to goal. The last rites were administered by Luke Parker and Daisy Thomas, who put on a clinic in the final quarter to make the score a better reflection of the gulf in class between the two teams. BAFFU 3 - Gibson (191) - PP 2 - Martin (134) - CIS 1 - Parker (116) - PP Giant tap Kreuzer 56 vs Lobbe 51 In all 3 FU seasons the Smugglers have gone 0-2, leaving themselves plenty of work to do to make finals. Things don't get any easier this week with a trip to face the Blowflies, who have found some form on the weekend thrashing an under-strength Bulls. Vice-captain Brett Deledio will not be making the trip, but the Mullet is a decent chance of making his debut for CIFC. Meanwhile Pearcedale host the Ararat Armadillos in what is the match of the round.
Hughenden Prairie Dogs 1,285 def Southern Cross Sandgropers 1,241 The Prairie Dogs finished with a wet sail to overcome a determined Sandgroper outfit at Dinosaur Park and to the delight of the home crowd have retained the ‘Veto Cup”. The Prairie Dogs welcomed back the monolith Sandilands (108) from suspension and his dominance in the ruck over Roughead (67) was the difference together with an outstanding effort in the forward line lead by Waite (174) ensuring the Prairie Dogs kicked a winning score. The Sandgropers lost Mitch Duncan (25) to concussion early in the game which did not help and although there were standout performances from Fyfe (157) and Rioli (128) who both put in all over the ground to lift the side it just wasn’t enough. Overall it was an impressive win by the Prairie Dogs to give them their first win of the season and a spot in the top 8. BAFFU Awards 3 Jarrod WAITE (174) 2 Nat FYFE (157) 1 Cyril RIOLI (128)
Early update from Mill Park sees the Monarchs bounce out of the blocks through Zaka, Boak & Broadbent 302 / 3 to lead the Bulls after a solid display from Ah Chee 86 / 1 Still all to play for
It's 2/3rds time at The Lagoon with the Crocs at 440/7/63 (+4 donuts) to the Parasites 993/11/90. Pakenham's first win of the season is simply a formality now.
Two thirds of the way through the match and @martyg 's visiting Bunyips are in control leading 1005/12/83.7 to the Sandgropers' 502/7/71.7. Five tons would level the score but with Mitchell & Ziebell to come for the visitors it's going to take a huge effort for the home side to get the win from here!
Progress score from The Stadium, Banchang sees a very close tussle between the Eden Whalers (11/855) and the home side (10/816). Best for the Whalers so far have been Curnow with 107 and late inclusion Pavlich 92, who replaced dad to be Tom Lynch, while Joey Montagna 150 and Docherty 116 lead the way for the Barcrawlers.
Update from Barra Park sees the home team and reigning premier well in control, the one ruck policy has caused the P Dogs all sorts of trouble with Sandilands taken to hospital with broken ribs and collapsed lung. Groote Island Barracudas 663/7/94.71 Hughenden Prairie Dogs 839/11/76.27
Final Term ..... looks like Vikings might just sneak a win due to Prospectors being down two players Vikings 777/9/86.33 Prospectors 1044/14/74.57
Final scores at Bara Park saw the home team hang on for the win, spirited performance from Hughenden but with no ruck from mid way through 2nd term to only go down by 52 points. Groote Island Barracudas 1244 def Hughenden Prairie Dogs 1192
Massacre over at Mill Park King Island with 9 x 100s cracked the 1500 barrier with 1512 Staghorn Flat again lead by Hall struggled to 1195
It's full time at The Stadium and Banchang has run out winners over Eden 1244-1089. The game was won in the midfield where Montagna Selwood Adams and Gibson (478) got first hands to the ball and the better of the Whalers midfield (274) and were then able to get the ball into the forward line for a convincing win. The only shining light for the visitors was "ole man" Harvey who terrorised the Barcrawlers backline, going on to record a well deserved 131. BOG: 3 Montagna 150 (BB) 2 Selwood 142 (BB) 1 Harvey 131 (EW)