AFL was back in action this week with players and teams eager to get on the field after last week’s postponement.
Game 1 saw the Real Lions take on the Junior Sharks. The newly establish Lions were still hungry for their first ever win while the Sharkey’s were hoping to sneak into the top two. The Sharks were slow off the mark, only able to muster nine afield for the first half.
Real Lions enjoyed the extra space and wasted no time hitting the scoreboard early. The Sharks, lacking some of their more experienced players tried hard but struggled to match the intensity of the Lions. Sharks forwards rarely got a look at the footy.
During the second half, Lions utilised the run off their half back flank and continued to put Sharks defenders under pressure. Junior Joel was a one man show up forward, taking several spectacular marks and converting from everywhere inside the arc.
By full time, the young Cub had single handed demoralised the Sharks by kicking 19 goals. Last quarter and the Sharks gained 3 more players and were able to fill a full squad. The game was well out of contention for the Sharks by the final quarter.
The Lions maintained pressure throughout and were relentless in their attack and endeavour at the footy.
Best:
Junior Sharks – Custer Pugeva, Alfred Ilisia, Ernest Tovoa
Real Lions – Junior Joel, Dickson Agori’l, Phillip Mani
Results:
Junior Sharks – 27
Real Lions – 155
Game 2 and the Central Eagles were looking to continue their dominance and retain top spot by defeating the China Town Magpies. The Magpies were after their first win after having to forfeit round 1’s clash.
The game got underway and was fairly even. Eagles drew first blood while the Magpies where struggling to make an impact on the scoreboard. Magpies looked a little rusty but were able to keep the Eagles to 3.3 and converted a late 1 goal towards the end of first quarter.
The Pie’s gained momentum in the second and outscored the Eagles by kicking 2.3 to 0.4. Eagles regrouped at half time and came out fired up, determined to maintain their unbeaten streak. Eagles looked strong out on the wings, using their run and carry while in close; the bigger bodied Pies were dominating.
Both teams wasted opportunities and it was the Eagles who were the only team to kick a goal in the third with 1. 4 to the Magpies’ 0. 4. Last quarter and it was anybody’s game. A great competition between both sides but it was the Eagles who prevailed, kicking 2. 2 to 1.1. The Pie’s couldn’t match the elite skills of the Eagles. The Pies however, showed some good signs and will continue to improve.
Best:
Central Eagles – Henry Platton, Sam Bua, Javvy Serere
China Town – Junior Aisa, Frank Vaikai, Junior
Results:
Central Eagles – 48
China Town – 32
