Geelong Falcons put on a scoring masterclass to comprehensively defeat Murray Bushrangers at Craigieburn on Saturday, as Ben Guthrie reports.
The Falcons kicked 10 goals to the Bushrangers’ three to set up the game, before continuing on to a 23.12 (150) to 13.4 (82) victory.
They were led by impressive performances from Devon Smith who kicked five goals for the match and Jed Bews who provided terrific run and carry.
It was Smith who lit up the game, winning clearances at will, and applying intense defensive pressure on his way to a 30 plus possession game.
He was deadly in front of goals and also took some strong marks as a small forward.
Bews was just as effective providing a good springboard from defence and utilising his running ability to deliver the ball inside 50.
Once inside 50, the Falcons worked hard to trap the ball in and were rewarded with scoring efficiency.
One player to take advantage of the delivery was Jai Sheahan who was a focal point in the forward line with four goals, as well as Lachlan Edwards who also booted four majors.
Centre clearances won by the Falcons allowed them to dictate the game, and placed pressure on Murray’s backline.
Jackson Merrett became the link up man for the Falcons with 35 possessions and more often than not his kicking skills were on the mark.
While the Falcons dominated out of the middle for most of the game, Murray fought hard to establish scoring chances for themselves.
Xavier Stevenson was influential through the middle with two running goals, while Lachlan Smith was impressive in the air up forward.
While the Bushies fought hard to reduce the margin, it was to no avail, as the Falcons key players stepped up to carry their team to a solid team win.
Geelong will face Sandringham back at Craigieburn on Saturday, while Murray will take on the Northern Knights at home.
Geelong Falcons 23.12.150 d Murray Bushrangers 13.4.82
Last Modified on 01/06/2011 20:34