Williams marks in front of goals. Picture courtesy Robyn Kuys.By Bill Kuys
A FULL week of rain at Emerald made for a boggy ground at Chandler Reserve, and Powelltown, coming off its second win of the season, came with hopes of upsetting the fast-firming second division favourite.
Emerald took control from the first bounce, running the ball in numbers into the forward line, where the forwards dominated both in the air and roving the loose balls, kicking goals with ease.
After 20 scoring shots to Powelltown’s four, Emerald led by 71 points at quarter-time.
Powelltown came out strong in the second quarter and was not about to give up without a fight, adding four quick goals only to see Emerald come back late in the quarter.
Emerald again took control in the third term, kicking nine goals to Powelltown’s two.
The final quarter showed Emerald had plenty left in reserve as the team kicked another nine goals to Powelltown’s three to win by 153 points and moveclear in third spot on the ladder.
Score: Emerald 34.22.226 d Powelltown 10.13.73.
Best: R. Stewart, S. Williams, S. Wright, N. Callanan.
Goals: R. Stewart 8, J. Mather 7, S. Cusworth 5, S. Gough 4, N. Callanan 3, S. Williams, J. Cousin, S. Wright 2, B. Price.
@BT Sport Sub Mail:RESERVES
Hosting Powelltown, the Bombers were looking to halt a two-game losing streak. A full side was a welcome sight with the return of injured players and the help of one under 18 player.
In heavy conditions Emerald had the early advantage with Powelltown unable to hold a full side.
This allowed Emerald’s spare men in the backline to cut off the attack and give quality deliveries into the forward line for easy conversions as the Bombers led by seven goals at quarter-time.
Emerald continued with the same endeavour and vigour, setting up an 11-goal lead at the main break.
Solid contributions all over the ground ensured the dominance continued for the remainder of the game, even with a couple of additions to Powelltown’s team.
For the first time this year, Emerald finished what it had started by making the most out of all opportunities and win by 147 points.
Score: Emerald 22.16.148 d Powelltown 0.1.1.
Best: C. Benoiton, D. Hicks, D. Behmer and J. Lanyon.
Goals: J. Lanyon 6, G. Duncan, S. Sullivan 3, A. Francis, B. Kuys, J. Gough 2, A. Schultz, B. Cunningham, C. Benoiton and H. Fitzgerald.
@BT Sport Sub Mail:UNDER 18
Emerald got off to a solid start, with all players running hard and using the ball well.
The teamwork was evident as the Bombers opened an early lead, however inaccurate kicking cost the team dearly going into quarter-time.
Emerald was getting good run out of the backline and the forwards were presenting, but found goals hard in boggy conditions.
The Bombers kept the pressure on and used the ball well in the second quarter, only to be let down again by inaccurate kicking.
Powelltown put pressure on Emerald in the third quarter and reduced the margin going into the last break.
After some encouraging words, the Bombers regrouped and finished the final quarter well.
Score: Emerald 9.22.76 d Powelltown 5.4.34.
Best: N. Jansen, M. Livermore, J. Thompson, B. Hartnell.
Goals: N. Jansen, S. Wright, S. Buhmann 2, M. Livermore, M. Eccarius, D. Reilly.
@BT Sport Sub Mail:NETBALL
A GRADE
Emerald hosted Powelltown, and with the teams sitting second and third on the ladder, both were desperate to win.
Emerald took a four-goal lead into the break.
The second quarter saw Powelltown fight back, with the number of goals scored by the teams even.
With a few positional changes, Emerald had a great third quarter which held it strong to the end of the game.
The win kept Emerald’s position in the top four.
Score: Emerald 30 d Powelltown 25.
Best: K. Walker, N. Argoon, H. Kuys, A. McDonough.
Goals: B. White 18, K. Walker 12.
@BT Sport Sub Mail:B GRADE
The Bombers have been struggling for numbers ion recent weeks, but a full team took to the court against Powelltown.
Emerald started slowly, with many players not in their key positions.
By half-time Powelltown had a good lead, making it hard for Emerald, which then had to play catch-up netball.
Two injured players left Emerald with only six to see the game out.
It was a hard-fought game for the Bombers, with all players giving their best and never giving up.
Score: Powelltown 69 d Emerald 21.
Best: K. Noonan, C. Elder, H. Steer, L. Cooper.
Goals: K. Noonan 8, H. Steer 7, C. Elder 6.
