Grafton Men, Breakers Women making their mark

Photo courtesy Brad Greenshields, Green Shoots Marketing

 

Optimism is rapidly turning into confidence for both the Grafton Tigers Seniors and Coffs Harbour Breakers Women as their already good seasons keep getting better.

Grafton has continued its resurgence in season 2020 after a hard fought 11 point win against the Sawtell Toormina Saints on Saturday at Ellem Oval. It now sees last year’s wooden spooners sitting on top of the AFL North Coast ladder after 4 rounds.

After trailing by ten points at quarter time, Sawtell Toormina stepped their game up in the second quarter, kicking four goals, and allowing them to take a narrow four point lead into the main break.

The game opened up more in the second half, with Grafton kicking five goals to four in the third quarter, to wrestle back the lead and take a five point advantage into the final term. Victory was sealed by the Tigers, as they kicked another five goals in the last quarter, to take the win by 11 points.

Aaron Ashby starred for the home team, kicking six goals, with Benny Holder providing support with two. For the Saints, Jordan Lark and Alec Baldwin kicked three goals apiece.

After playing each opponent once, Grafton sit atop the ladder after Round 4.

Grafton Tigers 14.11 (95) defeated Sawtell Toormina 12.12 (84)

In the Women’s Competition, a consistent four quarter performance from the Coffs Harbour Breakers has seen them record a dominant 90 point victory over the Sawtell Toormina Saints, at Fitzroy Oval. The win sees the Breakers remain as the only women’s team yet to taste defeat this season, as they open up a two game advantage over their rivals.

The Breakers combined attack with defence beautifully in this game, kicking multiple goals each quarter, and only allowing the Saints one solitary behind, which came in the last quarter.

There is no doubt that the Saints were feeling the effects of their mid week exertions and will no doubt have a light week on the training track as they prepare for Saturday’s match against the Blues.

Amy Johanson was the star for the Breakers, booting six goals, and was named in the best players, along with Cassidy Ronalds, Amanda Guthrie and Emily Conlan, who also kicked two majors.

Coffs Harbour Breakers 13.13 (91) defeated Sawtell Toormina Saints 0.1 (1)

Meanwhile, the Coffs Harbour Breakers Senior men’s team registered their first win of the season, downing the Port Macquarie Magpies by 29 points.

The catalyst for this victory was a four goal to one second quarter from the home side to open up a 29 point lead at the main break, a margin that proved too hard for the Magpies to overcome.

Port matched the Breakers with three goals in the final quarter, but in a shortened season, where percentage may play a role in determining final ladder positions, the Breakers may rue inaccuracy in front of goal, registering 11 goals 18 for the match.

Michael McMahon, Josh Hunt, Jay Guthrie, and Royce Close were named in the best for the Breakers, with Nicklaus Stanlan-Velt and Justin Millet kicking three goals each.

For Port, Jesse Schmidt, and Kye Taylor snared three goals apiece, with Jack Gooden, Braden Saggers, and Max Bylsma amongst the best players.

Coffs Harbour Breakers 11.18 (84) defeated Port Macquarie Magpies 8.7 (55)