Breakers on verge of Minor Premiership in Seniors
Coffs Harbour Breakers are one win away from securing the Minor Premiership after a routine disposal of the Grafton Tigers, whilst Port Macquarie Magpies returned to form with victory over Sawtell Toormina Saints.
Breakers were quickly into their stride and led by 64 points after a ruthless first quarter. By this point in the match it wasn’t a matter of whether the Breakers would win, it was simply a question of by how many.
The Tigers hit the scoreboard in the second stanza but Breakers were able to kick away to a 93 point lead by the long break. The Breakers took their foot off the throttle in the second half but were still able to extend their lead in each quarter, easing away to record a 148 point win.
Nick Stanlan-Velt was the key focal point for Breakers going forward, kicking 15 goals. Ben Gibbeson and the wily Brad Giri were the only other multiple goal kickers with three apiece. Grafton’s goals were kicked by James Green, James Hourigan, and Carlton Williams.
Breakers sit eight points clear on top of the ladder with two matches to be played, so one more win to them or a loss to Port secures the minor premiership.
Coffs Harbour Breakers 25.20 (170) defeated Grafton Tigers 3.4 (22)
Port Macquarie got back on track with a solid win over Sawtell Toormina Saints in what was a real danger match for the Magpies. Down on troops last week at home, there was a real risk that an away game against a Saints team that is slowly finding it’s feet could end as back to back defeats but Port steadied their season with a seven goal win.
Port lead at every break and outscored their opponents in each quarter to record a comfortable win. Their best effort came in the third quarter when they needed to capitalise on their 30 point lead and duly delivered to outscore Sawtell by two goals to all but seal the result.
Braden Saggers was Port’s leading light in front of goal with four majors, with Kye Taylor Hugo Walker kicking two each. Sawtell’s coach, Brandt Lee, led from the front with three goals for his team, while Lachlan Draper-Bell chipped in with two.
Port Macquarie Magpies 13.14 (92) defeated Sawtell Toormina Saints 7.8 (50)
A report on the Women’s competition will appear online on Wednesday (7 August).
For full results click here.