Round 4 - Cow Bay 1,048 def by Ararat 1,255 In more bad news for the Cow Bay locals, the Crocs suffered their 3rd straight loss of the year going down to the visiting Armdaillos by 207 points. Where did it go wrong for the Crocs? No ruckman due to Covid and some underwhelming scores from the likes of Worpel (37), Henry (28)...in fact 6 Crocs scored under 50 points. Taranto (121) and McGrath (111) did their best in the middle, Moore (105) continues to improve in 2022 and Chapman (118) has impressed in just his 2nd year....let's not forget Cow Bay's best Witherden with a 127 point effort. Gawn (160) had a field day contesting the centre bounce against the bounce of the ball and umpire, as did Jackson (126). McDonald (101) and Rowbottom (100) collected disposals at will and Perryman (97) held up the defensive 4. Athough Ararat had one less centurion, the team didn't have the lackluster performances that the home side had. Big Tap Gawn (160) def umpire's bouncy ball BAFFU 3 Gawn (AA), 160 2 Witherden (COW), 127 1 Jackson (AA), 126 The win sees Ararat move into 5th place, the loss sees the Crocs slip to 13th.
There was a great sense of anticipation down in The Crater as the locals gathered to celebrate Steven May becoming just the 3rd Buffalo to reach 100 games for the club. With the undefeated Monarchs being the visting team in town, that anticipation was reaching fever pitch levels. Any expectations of a contest to match the excitement were quickly dispersed though as right from the outset the Buffaloes went about their business as professionally as the Monarchs were disappointing. Unfortunately for the King Island boys, the hot start they had launched into the season with turned ice cold under the pressure of The Crater with Himmelberg (37), Cotchin (47) and Kennedy (58) coming under the harshest criticism from the travelling supporters. Jack Macrae (158) did his absolute most to will his side on but too much was left to too little and the Monarchs were destined for their first loss of the season. For the home town heroes it was all about Steven May (111) this week and he duly delivered a star performance. After perenially missing games and frustrating fans to begin his career, May has been a start of the backline since 2020, consistently holding the Serengeti defence and averaging over 90 across that span and turned himself into a fan favourite. In the end, Serengeti ran out 295 point winners, continuing their undefeated start to the season and keeping up the chase on ladder leaders Groote & Nuyts. Final scores Serengeti Buffaloes 1342 def King Island Monarchs 1047 BAFFU votes 3 Jackson Macrae 158 (KIM) 2 Adam Saad 129 (SB) 1 Bailey Smith 122 (SB) Big Tap Naitanui 96 def Lycett 53 @Tylo
Groote Eylandt Barracudas 1,203 def Hughenden Prairie Dogs 1,096 The Cudas got the job done in the end winning by a comfortable 107 points despite an injury to Cripps and a late surge from Hughenden. Well what can only be a complete stuff up Hughenden flew the Island of the Bara to only find out they were actually playing at home. The flight back and forth was too much for Ratugolea and he pulled out of the side, leaving Ash (21) to try and out muscle the experienced Stanley(63) which in the end was no match. While Hughenden tried all day with efforts from Mills (130), Jordon (90) and off season recruit Barrass (94) they were no match for the might of the Barra with Bontepelli (136), Smith (129) and hands in the back that’s not a free kick Hawkins (120) getting the job done. They were ably supported by McGovern (92) and Hall (97) in the backline, smothering Hughenden’s midfield and forward line. The only low light for Groote was the hamstring injury suffered by Cripps(38) with the guilty looking Oliver (68) sulking around and feeling guilty for the remainder of the game. Again the inconsistency of Hughenden’s playing group, not knowing if they were playing home or away proved the coach really doesn’t know what he is doing with too few carrying the load for a pitiful group of passengers. Fans are frustrated and the season will be loooooooong and tiresome. Whereas Groote are undefeated, playing great football and will command respect as they continue to consolidate their position in the top 3 as they march toward another finals campaign. BAFFU Awards 3 Bontempelli (136) - GEB 2 Mills (130) – HPD 1 Smith (129) - GEB @YAD69
Staghorn Flat defeated by Horsham The Bulls returned home after back to back 1300+ scores a feat not achieved since R16 - 17 2020 and were confident in coming up against the Huskies who had just been going in 2022 at 1078ppg. In a low scoring slog at Mill Park it was the Huskies ruck and midfield dominance which got them the points. Witts (154, BOG & Big Tap Recipient) was masterful in the ruck destroying Nank and gave the unheralded duo of Harmes (118) and Drew (119) first crack at the pill. With Gresham (106) getting the job done up front and Reeves (82) continuing the ruck dominance off the pine it was just enough for the Huskies to post a 17 point victory 1157 - 1140 For the Bulls home scores of 1123 & 1140 against away scores of 1333 & 1309 have the coaches and locals baffled as to WTF! Weller was best for home team with 116 and he was ably supported by Maynard (107), Hill (95) & Whitfield (92) down back. Ultimately it was left to too few in a game that got away from the home team. Youngster Bowey (47) escapes the blowtorch whilst experienced duo Parker (39) and Gunston (20) will be looking over their shoulder come selection this week. SFB 1140 HH 1157 3 Witts - HH (BIG TAP) 2 Drew - HH 1 Harmes - HH @Wolffy84
@fresh High scoring start down in The Crater. Early stages it is Serengeti 232/2/116 v Cow Bay 307/3/102
Yep! with 383 points sitting on the bench..........obviously list management is not my strong suit....
Update from the goldfields sees the visiting P Dogs with their noses in front:- CP 581/8/73 HPD 889/10/89 @JPK
Sorry @Batfink Its Easter and all, been somewhat busy. Thanks for the update. I think its going to be an easy win for your boys!
@fresh coaches have switched their focus to defence after the fast start with scoring slowing somewhat as this one moves towards half time Serengeti 518/5/104 v Cow Bay 623/8/78
Progress score from Huskies Vs Barcrawlers. Final quarter about to begin and there still isn't very much in it. Huskies: 800/10 (80) Barcrawlers: 1119/14 (80)
It may seem to be all over at "the gaveyard" with Mitchell and Duncan still to come for the home team 1167/13/89 1192/15/79