Gap starting to open at top of the Seniors ladder

The premiership contest is rapidly shaping as a race between two as further wins for both Coffs Harbour Breakers and Port Macquarie Magpies open a 12 point lead over Sawtell Toormina Saints in third.

The Breakers unbeaten run continued as they claimed a second local derby win of the season against Sawtell.

Saints won the opening exchanges and kicked the first goal of the match to show really positive signs. However, Breakers soon worked their way into the contest and much of the opening term was evenly poised with the teams exchanging goals. Breakers got onto a roll late in the quarter and managed to open a five goal lead by the first break.

Breakers controlled the second and third quarters to extend to an 11 goal lead by three quarter time by which stage the result was beyond doubt. Saints saved their best to last and managed to claw back four goals in the final term but it was too little too late.

Shaydan Close continues to show his class up front for the Breakers, kicking six goals. Tyler Ryan and Liam Paige kicked three goals apiece with Josh Lansdowne and Matt Giri chipping in with two goals each.

Mitch Napier led the way for Sawtell with three goals, including an exquisite check side from the pocket. Brandt Lee, Curtis Smith, and Jonah Horan all chimed in with two goals but the Saints undoing was a lack of regular goals whilst the match was in the balance.

Coffs Harbour Breakers 19.9 (123) defeated Sawtell Toormina Saints 13.10 (88)

At Ellem Oval Grafton the Port Macquarie Magpies travelled light for all grades but were still too strong for the Grafton Tigers.

Despite having seven players back up from the earlier Reserve Grade match Port were able to maintain their winning form and cement second place on the ladder.

An eight goal to one opening term gave the Magpies the luxury of taking their foot off the accelerator and controlling their exertions for the remainder of the match. Their last quarter goal tally of two is a strong indicator that by this stage in the match the Magpies were happy to finish the job and head home without exposing themselves to risk of injury.

The Tigers were able to put a full complement of 22 players on the park in what is a positive outcome for the club after playing short the last few weeks. Once again, the team is led by the core of the premiership winning Under 18 team from 2017. Whilst these youngsters are fast and fearless they would really benefit from the leadership experience and support of four or five experienced, quality players to plug key positions.

The Magpies did an excellent job of sharing the workload, with Jesse Schmidt, Kye Wilson, and Ryan Barnett kicking three goals each and a further four players kicking two.

Grafton’s solitary goal was kicked by Pat O’Mahony.

Port Macquarie Magpies 19.19 (133) defeated Grafton Tigers 1.3 (9)

A report on the round 5 Women’s matches will appear online on Tuesday (21 May).

For full results click here.