From the opening score of the game, the Northern Knights were always in the lead, beating the Oakleigh Chargers at Preston City Oval by 11 points in the TAC Cup on Sunday.
An impressive first half display by the Knights set the scene for what was a welcome change from last weeks thrashing by the Calder Cannons, winning 15.8 (98) to 13.9 (87).
The first quarter was marked by the Knights inability to capitalise on their control of possession, leading by 18 points at quarter time.
The second quarter saw the Knights maintain their dominance, with the Chargers players being too easily drawn to the ball.
A three-quarter time surge from the Chargers put life back in the game.
Oakleigh Chargers captain Dom Tyson thought the change was easily explained.
“We just didn’t turn up to play at the start, we were beaten around the ground,” said Tyson.
“After half time we stepped up the intensity man on man, around the ground.”
This was evident as the Chargers staged a second half comeback, kicking consecutive goals for the first time in the game in the third quarter.
At three quarter time, the Chargers had pulled the lead back to 13 points, sending a clear sense of belief through the huddle.
The Chargers drew back within 3 points, however, the Knights proved too strong on the day.
Dylan Buckley was one of the best on ground for the Knights.
Knights coach Anthony Allen said that while good, Buckley was still recovering from a sever shoulder injury and was “underdone physically”.
After last week’s loss to Calder Cannons, Allen said they had made little changes to the side and tactics.
“We wanted to improve inside 50’s kicking,” Allen said.
Continuing a strong start to the season, Knights’ Nick Maric continues to shine as a small forward, taking a specky and kicking five goals in an impressive display of defensive pressure.
Recovering from an incident in the early minutes of the first quarter where he was stretchered off, Knights player Brandon Lee was one of the best on ground, leading with three strong marks in the third quarter and one goal.
With injuries affecting the Knight’s list the possible inclusions for next weeks game against the Western Jets include Jake McNamara, said Allen.
While the Knights play the Jets at 12:30pm at Visy Park on Sunday, the Chargers will play the opening 10am game of the triple header day at Visy, taking on the Sandringham Dragons.
Jordan Marshall and Annie Kearney
Northern Knights:
Goal kickers: N. Maric 5, A. Corr, J. Coulson, M. Haynes, N. Hrovat, B. Lee, D. Morris 2, R. Mullins, J. Newnes, K. Posar.
Best players: N. Maric, J. Newnes, B. Longer, B. Kerton, B. Lee, W. Gleeson.
Oakleigh Chargers:
Goal kickers: N. Murphy 6, S. Hudson 2, J. Ashby, S. Harris, K. Jaksch, D. Pearce, A. Tomlinson.
Best players: N. Murphy, A. Forato, M. Woofttindin, D. Pearce, M. Arnot.
Last Modified on 14/04/2011 16:11
