The Grafton Tigers have finished their season in style with a convincing victory over the Nambucca Valley Lions by 51 points at Ellem Oval on Saturday.
With both sides already securing finals spots, it was a rehersal for what is to come, Although Grafton started and finished the match strongly, Nambucca to their credit were able to fight back to stay with the competition front runners during the the match.
With Grafton captain Dan Zacek opening the scoring with a goal in the first minute and further quick goals to Luke Hayman, Shawn Purton and Sam Morrison the signs were ominous for the visitors early, the Lions were able to regroup with goals to Aaron Boatfield and Aaron Clarke, but with Hayman kicking another goal before the siren, allowed the Tigers to lead by 19 at quarter time.
The start of the second term saw a different Nambucca team easily clearing the ball from the centre resulting in 2 quick goals to Ray McGrath and Jed Ellis-Cluff before the Tigers regained their rhythm, Justin and Will Darby was outstanding in the backline for Grafton, continually upsetting Nambucca’s forwards while Morrison monstered the Lions midfield with solid defence and blinding speed to allow Grafton to finish the quarter with 3 goals to Nambucca’s 2 and lead by 23.
It was the Tigers who were to dominate the play early in the third quarter, with quick goals to Zacek, Morrison and Evan Duryea before Nambucca could strike back with goals to McGrath, Clark and Jimmy Angel, unfortunately for the Lions, Grafton’s forwards of Zacek and Duryea were able to finish with 2 late goals for the Tigers to push the lead out to 30.
The fitness of the Tigers showed in the final term, Grafton dominating possession with Zacek adding another 2 goals to his tally, while Morrison, Purton and Justin Darby also added to the Tigers total, for Nambucca, only a goal after the siren added some respectability to the for the quarter with Grafton winning by 51.
Final Scores:
Grafton 5.3 8.5 13.7 18.10 (118)
Nambucca Valley 2.2 4.6 8.7 10.7 (67)
Grafton
Goals: D.Zacek 5, S.Morrison 3, S. Purton 3, L.Hayman 2, E.Duryea 2, S.Duroux, R.Newman, J.Darby 1.
Best: J.Darby, D.Zacek, S.Morrison, S.Duroux, E.Duryea, W.Darby.
Nambucca
Goals: A.Clarke 3, R.Mcgrath 3, A.Boatfield, J.Ellis-Cluff, J.Angel, P.Churchill 1.
Best: A.Boatfield, T.Baade, M.Schmidt, J.Ellis-Cluff, A.McLean, J.Livock.
With the elimination final next week between Coffs Swans and the Lions, the Tigers now have the luxury of a week off before they match up against the Port Macquarie Magpies on August 20 at the Coffs International Stadium.
Last Modified on 07/08/2011 07:39