Sport
8 July, 2024
Roos alive and kicking
MALDON 10.7 (67) def by NEWSTEAD 11.9 (75) Newstead have kept their chances of a second consecutive finals series alive after holding off a late Maldon fightback to win by eight points away from home at Bill Woodfull Reserve. In essence, this was...
MALDON 10.7 (67) def by NEWSTEAD 11.9 (75)
Newstead have kept their chances of a second consecutive finals series alive after holding off a late Maldon fightback to win by eight points away from home at Bill Woodfull Reserve.
In essence, this was a mini-final for the Kangaroos, while Maldon were looking to keep their top four chances alive, and with the pressure on, it was the former who started the better, albeit inaccurately, kicking two goals from seven scoring shots to lead by four points at the first change.
The second quarter saw both teams hit the scoreboard with some regularity. Maldon were able to kick three goals for the term, but Newstead put their kicking boots on to kick four straight goals to lead by eight points at the main break.
The third quarter belonged to Newstead. They were able to dominate proceedings, even if they were a little inaccurate in doing so, kicking three goals from seven shots while holding Maldon scoreless, and established a 30-point break at the final change.
It was perhaps the Kangaroos’ most important quarter of the season, and they needed to deliver the four points with it.
Maldon did have other ideas, and after a rev-up from coach Damien Lock, the Dons came out firing to kick the first three goals to reduce the margin to 11 points.
Michael Runciman responded in kind, but the Dons then kicked the next two goals to make it a three-point game ticking over the 20-minute mark.
However, Adam Hunter was able to seal the deal for the Kangaroos at the 22-minute mark with a mark in the goal square, converting from right in front to give Newstead their eight-point victory.
Angus Mayes was sensational for Newstead, giving the Kangaroos plenty of drive and was a deserving best on ground. Alongside him, Anthony Robins, Alex Murphy, Hunter, Harrison McGuire and Sam Daldy were also in the best, while Tyler James kicked four goals.
For Maldon, the high-flying Billy Miller was their best, while Billy Johns, Alex Farrow, Noah Thompson, Matthew Gray and Damian Wust were also named in their best players, with Brodie Leonard-Shannon and Cody Gunn kicking three goals apiece.
