Blue Tigers are a threat but leaders keep on winning

Northern Beaches/Grafton continued their recent strong form to push Port Macquarie Magpies all the way, but came up short against a competition heavyweight for the second week in a row.

Confidence within the joint venture team was sky high going into this match after the previous two rounds comprised the team’s first win and a narrow loss, while Port Macquarie were down on numbers due to university holidays. In an unexpected boost for the Magpies, Cambridge McCormick returned from Ipswich for the match and was an influential figure around the park.

Port started strongly to land the first two goals of the match and hold the Blue Tigers scoreless in what appeared an ominous sign. However the Blue Tigers bounced back strongly in a second quarter that quickly became a shootout. Both teams kicked two goals to ensure that the lead was only eight points at the long break and the game was well and truly in the balance.

The third quarter went the same way as the first, Port adding one goal while Northern Beaches/Grafton were unable to trouble the scorer. Neither team was able to grab a decisive advantage in the final term as the match became a stoppage fest. Neither team was able to kick a goal in this term and the Magpies held on for a hard fought 17 point victory.

Casey Miosge kicked two goals for the victors, with Anishah Burnes and Fiona Bagley each kicking one. Coach Mel Hunt took one of the great marks in local Women’s footy and was unlucky not to be rewarded with a goal.

Northern Beaches two goals were kicked by Mitanne Doughney and Ashleigh West.

Port Macquarie Magpies 4.7 (31) defeated Northern Beaches/Grafton 2.2 (14)

Coffs Harbour Breakers Women continued their recent dominance over arch rivals Sawtell Toormina Saints by posting a 33 point win.

The Breakers were quick out of the blocks with two goals in the first quarter, whilst their defence was able to limit the Saints to just one behind. The second term was extremely tight with Breakers two behinds being the only scoring for the quarter, before the game opened up after half time. The third quarter saw Breakers boot two goals while Sawtell finally opened their account with their first of the match, leaving the Coffs teams with a 19 point advantage going into the last stanza.

Breakers finished the match the stronger with three goals against one for the Saints.

Breakers captain Katika Adams had a field day, booting five goals to lead the way. Kyah Griffith and Shannon Wight added one goal each to round out the scoring for the victors.

On a bright note for Sawtell their goals were scored by Kiarra-Lea Field and Maggie O’Dwyer, each registering the first majors of their careers. The Saints will hope that both players gain confidence from this and kick-on to become regular contributors.

Coffs Harbour Breakers 7.7 (49) defeated Sawtell Toormina Saints 2.4 (16)