Junior Competition: Round 4 Review
Round 4 of the AFL North Coast Junior Competition saw a full complement of matches in every age group.
In the Under 11 competition, Nambucca Valley Lions are still searching for their first win but were valiant in defeat against a vastly more experienced Northern Beaches Blues outfit, going down by 5 goals. The Lions have acquitted themselves very well in their first season of competitive footy and that elusive first win isn’t far away. Northern Beaches are on top of the ladder and will be a tough team to beat in 2017.
The closest game of the round was between Port Macquarie Black and the Manning Valley Mustangs, with the Port Black team winning by just 17 points. After rain delayed the start to their season Port Black have now both of their first two matches. The Mustangs led at the first break but couldn’t maintain the momentum, however they will take heart from the quality of their performance.
Port Macquarie White were far too strong for a young but exuberant Macleay Valley Eagles team. The Eagles have excellent numbers in this age group, many just starting out with footy and will develop and learn as the season progresses. Port White really improved the longer the game went to record their first win of the season.
Coffs Breakers were convincing winners over Grafton Tigers to move up to fifth on the ladder. The Breakers started strongly and were never headed whilst credit goes to the Tiger cubs who never dropped their heads or stopped trying.
Sawtell Toormina Saints overcame a plucky Bellingen Bulldogs side who tried their hearts out all day. Sawtell produced a big third quarter to put the result beyond doubt to win by 10 goals.
In the Under 13 competition, Port Macquarie Magpies and Coffs Breakers played out an intriguing match that the Magpies ultimately claimed by 6 goals. A slow start by the Breakers saw them 4 goals down at quarter time so the match was very evenly balanced after that time.
Northern Beaches Blues scored a strong win against Manning Valley Mustangs. This match was splayed in great spirit and, although solidly beaten, the Mustangs never looked as though they were outclassed.
Macleay Valley Eagles were too strong for Grafton to continue to be the front runner in the competition. Despite being a long way behind on the scoreboard, the Tigers best efforts came in the third quarter which shows their commitment to fight to the final siren.
Sawtell Toormina Saints applied steady scoreboard pressure throughout their match against the Bellingen Bulldogs in what was a battle between two of the top three sides. Although beaten in this match, Bellingen will bounce back and win plenty of matches.
In the Under 15.5 competition, Grafton Tigers and Macleay Valley Eagles played out a close match that saw Grafton win by 33 points. Although Grafton were never headed they were unable to shake the Eagles and had to be on their game throughout.
Sawtell Toormina Saints were far too strong for the Bellingen Bulldogs, who are in their first year in this age group. Sawtell will be in the running at the end of the season and re a team to watch.
Similarly, Port Macquarie Magpies will be another challenger for the title after dispatching Coffs Breakers. This was a rematch of last season’s Grand Final in this age group but the result was reversed on this occasion. Breakers have had a number of players graduate to the Under 18 ranks and will take a little while for the new combination to gel.
For full results please click here.
