SILVAN’S big guns fired at the weekend, disposing of the Brookers on their home turf.
Craig Clarke won the toss and the Brookers had first use of a sixgoal breeze, but failed to capitalise on the opportunity and led by only two points at the first change.
Led by Garry Moorcroft, Silvan kicked into gear in the second quarter, took control and moved away from the Brookers. In reply Matt Cox kicked two brilliant goals for the quarter. At halftime Silvan had a fivegoal lead.
In the third quarter Gembrook tried to lift its work rate and intensity but without success. Time and again the Silvan back line repelled the Brookers’ attacks and showed class with pinpoint delivery to its own forward 50 metres, outscoring the home side against the wind.
With no bench to utilise the Brookers had to try and salvage some pride in the last quarter against the wind, but still struggled.
Silvan outclassed Gembrook and looked like shaping the finals in a big way.
Matt Cox ended up with five goals and was Gembrook’s best player.
Scores: GembrookCockatoo 8.12.60 lost to Silvan 20.19.135.
Best: Mathew Cox, Andrew Shipp, Brad Charman, Craig Clarke.
RESERVES
Gembrook played well for four quarters to record a memorable win over Silvan.
A determined side came out fired up in blustery conditions that played havoc. However the Brookers kicked three goals in the first quarter due to the midfield drive of Nathan Kruzicevic, Terry Kendall and Ben Fenton.
Gembrook took control and in the back line Nick Green, in his first senior game, was able to keep Silvan to only two goals for the first half.
In the second half the team stuck to its game plan and came out a deserved winner.
Best: Nick Green, Ben Fenton, Chris Bourne, Steve Paul, Terry Kendall.
Scores: GembrookCockatoo 6.16.52 d Silvan 2.15.27.
Goals: Ryan Thoms, Cam Williams, Daniel Wilkie, Phil Moratore, Mitchell Hedger, Matt Failla 1.
UNDER 18
After losing to Silvan earlier in the year by 15 goals the Brookers were able to mount a much better effort.
The team’s attack on the ball was the major improvement in performance.
Scores: GembrookCockatoo 5.10.40 lost to Silvan 9.11.65.
Goals: Mark Breakwell 3, Mitchell Hedger, Andrew Hilder 1.
Best: Tim Lennox, James Hampton, Grainger Hartridge, Will Davis.
