EMERALD played the secondplaced South Belgrave at South Belgrave in gusty conditions.
Taking the field without many unavailable players, Emerald was against a side that showed its dominance and kicked away from the first bounce.
South Belgrave was much stronger and on average kicked almost seven goals per quarter to Emerald’s seven for the match.
The Emerald players tried hard but were no match for a strong and determined South Belgrave.
Scores: South Belgrave 27.10.172 d Emerald 7.13.55.
Goals: Josh Condor 3, Wes Wright, Troy Wilson, Vaughan Geddes, Justin Day 1.
Best: Troy Wilson, Dean Macumber, Josh Huisintveld, Josh Condor, Wes Wright.
RESERVES
Many Emerald players were unavailable for selection, leaving the Reserves and senior sides struggling to field teams. Emerald was left without a bench, even after four under18 players put their hands up to help. Of these, Justin Gough kicked two goals and Dailan Ellis was one of the Bombers’ best.
South Belgrave came out strongly from the very first bounce and Emerald was no match for a much stronger side. South outscored Emerald in every quarter but the Bombers continued to try hard.
Scores: South Belgrave 28.17.185 d Emerald 6.4.40.
Goals: Justin Gough, John Fraser 2, Gary Wilson, Dale Street 1.
Best: Brad Sands, Gary Sewell, Dailan Ellis, Bruce Whitehead.
UNDER 18
Emerald went to South Belgrave determined to erase memories of the roundone performance against South, when the Bombers were beaten convincingly.
The game was even most of the first quarter, the Saints managing a couple of late goals that put them nine points ahead at the first break.
In the second quarter Emerald took control with the wind and posted four goals, keeping South scoreless.
In the third quarter the Saints came back, however the Bombers were able to defend well against the breeze, going into the final quarter a handy 13 points up.
In a gusty last quarter Emerald managed another couple of goals, allowing only one goal to South Belgrave.
Scores: Emerald 8.19.67 d South Belgrave 6.8.44.
Goals: Shane Eccarius 3, Paul McCooke, Daniel Hill, Lee Ligtermoet, Michael Castricum, John Noonan 1.
Best: John Noonan, Daniel Hill, Shannon Dart, Paul McCooke.
