Picture: Scott Memery
By Mark Gullick
CRANBOURNE ruthlessly dispatched the wretched Keysborough by 136 points at Casey Fields on Saturday.
The Burras were unable to hold Cranbourne’s key forwards and limit the rampaging midfield.
However, according to coach Doug Koop, Cranbourne still has some work to do.
“We identified some areas against Pakenham where we had to improve,” he said.
“Despite the scoreboard, we’ve still got some work to do. We’ve got a fair way to improve. We try to put the scoreboard aside and look at the way we play. Regardless of whether it’s a side that hasn’t won a game or a side that’s going really well, we look to go out and play a certain quality of game. We had some patches that we weren’t really happy with.”
For Cranbourne, winger Ryan Jones, Marc Holt (10 goals), Matthew Fletcher (seven goals) and Laurence Angwin played well.
Cranbourne plays arch-rival Devon Meadows next.
“They’ll be keen to get their first win on the board and it will be even sweeter if it’s against us,” Koop said.
@BT Sub Sport News:NARRE WARREN V DEVON MEADOWS
NARRE Warren produced another famous last quarter blitz to secure the points over a dogged Devon Meadows at Kalora Park.
The Magpies kicked seven goals to four during that period to finally break the determined Panthers and run out 29-point winners.
“They are a very physical side and all power to them, they were very good,” Magpies coach Chris Toner said.
“We took a while to get into our stride and once we did, we were okay. We’re a different side to what we have been, we’re very, very young and we’re just going to continue to get better.”
Interleague reprentatives Michael Collins and Ben King starred in the win.
Despite the loss, Devon Meadows coach Rod Keogh was pleased with the effort.
“They had more scoring shots than us,” he said.
“I suppose the scoreboard could have been worse for us, but in general field play, we thought we were right in the game.”
Versatile veteran Daniel Verlado was Devon Meadows’ best player.
Narre Warren plays Beaconsfield this week.
“There were 44 players in last year’s grand final and I’d be surprised if there were 22 that were still playing,” Toner said. “I’m sure both sides will respect that both teams played off, but it’s certainly going to be different (from the grand final).”
Devon Meadows faces the rampaging Cranbourne.
“It’s important that after the Cranbourne game our blokes have a smile on their faces and are proud of what they put forward during the game,” Keogh said. “We know we’ve got a massive task in front of us.”
@BT Sub Sport News:DOVETON V HAMPTON PARK
DOVETON’S running power provided the impetus for the upset eight-point win over arch-rivals Hampton Park at Robinson Oval.
After a tight opening three quarters, Doveton opened up a 14-point lead during the final term, which was reduced to two points.The Doves held their nerve and kicked a late goal.
“It was a really good win. I was proud of the boys’ efforts. It was a great day – good crowd. There is always a lot of feeling between the clubs, and to come out on top was a great effort,” Mark Ladgrove said.
Clint Wilson’s successful return to Doveton continued with the towering ruckman influencing the contest. Peter Pullen kicked six goals.
It was a disappointing performance for Hampton Park, who didn’t play at the lofty standards they have reached so far this year.
“Our disposal let us down,” coach Clint Evans said.
“Our kicking into the forward line was terrible, but Doveton were good. We probably thought we were a bit better than what we are.”
Luke Nunan and Matthew Shorey were key contributors for Hampton Park. Doveton takes on Tooradin-Dalmore on Saturday.
“They’re another side that it wouldn’t surprise if they knocked anyone off,” Ladgrove said.
“They have been competitive against most sides they’ve played. We just have to match our effort and commitment.”
Hampton Park faces the in-form Berwick.
“It’s a massive game for us,” Evans said.
“We’ll get a good idea of where we sit. We’re back at home and we have to re-group and hopefully we can make a game of it.”
@BT Sub Sport News:ROC V TOORADIN-DALMORE
A late flurry of goals sealed an improbable win for ROC over Tooradin-Dalmore.
The Kangaroos kicked three goals in the final five minutes to pinch a three-point win in front of its parochial supporters at Officer Recreation Reserve.
ROC held a 20-point lead at the long break.
“We played great footy in the first half and then started off the third quarter really well and could have almost finished them off,” Tivendale said.
“We just kept missing goals. Then they took their chances and got back into it. The way the boys fought back in the end was sensational.”
The Seagulls hit back in the third and final quarters, taking a three goal lead. As the game ticked into its final moments, ROC kicked two goals via Matt Rogers and Matt Clarke. ROC attacked and Rogers ran onto a loose ball in the goalsquare and kicked truly, giving the Kangaroos a three-point lead to the enraptures of the supporters. Tooradin-Dalmore attacked from the centre bounce, but was thwarted by the Kangaroos as the siren sounded.
“Everyone’s just enjoying being at the place and around each other, which is what it’s all about,” Tivendale said.
