AFLDD MATCH REPORT
Goondiwindi Hawks vs. Toowoomba Tigers
Round 9 – 28 May 2011
Toowoomba Tigers scored their eighth win of the season to take top spot on the AFLDD ladder but they had to work to overcome a spirited Goondiwindi Hawks.
It was expected to be a rather one-sided affair this match but the Hawks put the Tigers under plenty of pressure in the first term, with the Tigers not playing to potential. Toowoomba Tigers dropped marks and were not kicking to targets, allowing the pressured applied by the Goondiwindi Hawks to have an affect on their performance.
The Tigers’ mistake rate climbed in the second term as Goondiwindi continued to ramp up the pressure pushing the Tigers all the way. Whilst the Hawks backline was outstanding continually denying the Tigers shots at goal, the Hawks centres laid on vigorous tackles ensuring that the Tigers lost possession of the ball.
For all the Tigers intensive training, the Tigers continued to play below par, whist the Hawks outplayed them the second term yet the Toowoomba Tigers managed to hold onto the lead going into the half time break.
Toowoomba Tigers stepped up a gear in the premiership quarter and the Hawks had just no answer. The Hawks lost the plot in the third term and were unable to counteract the constant barrage of the Tigers’ forward onslaught. Tigers’ talls Steven Young, Drew Gatfield, Nick Talbot and Lindsay Martin all played outstanding games.
Goondiwindi fought back in the closing minutes of the third quarter through some unselfish play, finished off by Andy Thomas who kicked a massive 50metre goal to give the Hawks a lift going into the last change. The damage was done – the Tigers played some
Hawks’ Players Player, Michael Lynn, and Eric Maunder led by example in the backline, which was under constant pressure from the Tigers. Ben Kent showed plenty of fierce determination to gain the football for the Hawks. As usual, the Hawks “Brains Trust” (Darryl Martin and Russell Baldock) played calming and influential roles around the ground. Their experience and determination showed, proving they still have plenty to offer the Hawks.
Goondiwindi regathered during the final break, applying more physical pressure in the final term but were unable to goal. Their lack of body size against more solid opponents certainly had an impact, but regardless the Hawks played some courageous footy.
The Toowoomba Tigers proved too strong at the final siren, wining by 67 points.
Hawks’ coach, Stephen Dukes, was again pleased with the efforts of his players. “The team continues to build on and improve their previous match performances and follow the team plan, which is pleasing. Take away the boys’ lapses in judgment in the third quarter, they played well overall.”
“The Hawks’ delivery and decision making let them down a little during the game and the Tigers made us work hard for every possession. As a result, we will continue to work on fitness and skills at training.”
Thank you to Matt Starling and Jason Dillon for helping out and pulling on the boots for the game. The Hawks seniors want to acknowledge and send a big thanks to the junior Hawks who ran water for them – Jack Martin, Ash Hagiel, Jess Bell and to Stingers player, Isabella Baldock.
This week the Hawks travel to Toowoomba to play the Highfields Lions.
Final Scores:
Goondiwindi Hawks: 1.1 (7) 4.5 (29) 5.6 (36) 5.7 (37)
Toowoomba Tigers: 3.3 (21) 6.7 (42) 11.14 (80) 14.20 (104)
Goondiwindi Best: Michael Lynn, Eric Maunder, Ben Kent, Darryl Martin, Brent
Townsend, Tyson Hagiel.
Goondiwindi Goascorers: Joe Verney 3, Cam Goulter 1, Andy Thomas 1
Tigers Best: Steven Young, Drew Gatfield, Nick Upton, Blake Camporeale,
Lindsay Martin, Nick Talbot
Tigers Goalscorers: Jeremy Price 3, Dennis Henningson 2, Nick Upton 2, Daniel
Townson 1, Chris Turpin 1, Nick Talbot 1, Dan McErvale 1,
Michael Rae 1, Lindsay Martin 1, Blake Camporeale 1
JUNIOR HAWKS
Goondiwindi Hawks vs Toowoomba East Stingers
Under 12s
The Hawks Under 12s played another great match against the Stingers. The team combined well trying hard to gain possession of the ball from the Stingers. The mini Hawks are really starting to get some very good teamwork happening; their skills continue to improve every week. Jess Bell had a great game, together with her younger brother Gilbert, who played for the Stingers.
Connor Bate was back to his best, running hard all game and never giving up. The star of the day was Xavier (Smiley) Naismith who had an absolute ripper of a match, playing his first game in the midfield.
Thanks to Gilbert Bell, Ayden Bate, Zac John Lowe, Cooper Timms who all played well for the Stingers. The Stingers proved too strong for the Hawks on the day.
Final Score: Toowoomba East Stingers 10.10 (70) def. Goondiwindi Hawks 1.0 (6)
Under 14s
The Goondiwindi Hawks knew they would have a battle on their hands against the Stingers – it was a fight for fourth spot on the Under 14 AFLDDJ ladder. The Stingers were sitting in fifth spot with the Hawks close behind in sixth, separated only by percentage. The Hawks did not let themselves down. They played some great team footy with some excellent passages of play.
Alex played another ripper kicking another solo goal. Ash played chased hard and tackled well with great support from new comer Max. Marto was inspirational at centre half back in his new position, which he seemed to really enjoy.
Zac, voted best on ground, played a pivitol role in the Hawks’ win showing great determination to fight for every possession and clear the ball out of the packs.
Once again the Hawks Under 12s playing their second game of the morning, really stood up and gave outstanding support to the Under 14s, with the Hawks’ best player numbers so far this season.
It was a great battle between the Hawks and the Stingers, played with great spirit, determination and sportsmanship, with the Hawks claiming a hard fought win at the final siren.
Final Score: Goondiwindi Hawks 13.9 (87) def. Toowoomba East Stingers 7.6 (48)
Kim Thomas
Goondiwindi Hawks
Last Modified on 02/06/2011 16:58