It was an unexpected result for all, apart from the Bombers’ players, coaches and supporters. Seventh-placed North Shore still stood a chance of playing finals football provided a few unforeseen results went their way. Saturday at Gore Hill against the East Coast Eagles was one of those matches they had to win.
And win it they did, with an impressive brand of football which stifled the Eagles from producing the form that has taken them to 12 wins and top of the table status. East Coast simply could not get going, although they did hold a slight lead at each of the first two breaks. It was tight, tough, uncompromising football with both teams going goal for goal. Neither side could get the successive goals they wanted to get a break, and at three-quarter-time there was only three points in it.
At this point, the Eagles must have been thinking of last week’s impressive “come from behind” victory against Wests and were plotting to do it again. Over in the Bomber compound however, where they had seen their own gun U/18 team get mowed down in the last quarter some four hours earlier, North Shore were determined that it would not happen to them.
That determination took them to an inspiring five-goal last quarter and an eventual 21-point win which delighted all their home ground supporters. The Eagle camp was subdued and awaited the post-match address and analysis from Glenn Garner. Clearly the senior coach was not impressed and cited individual unaccountability as the major factor for the defeat.
No blame could be apportioned to Mark Skuse (pictured) however as his was a full four-quarter effort to take best player honours. Gus Seebeck snuck in with another six goals to take his season tally to 74. Michael Sankey, returning from a week’s enforced rest, was his usual creative self. Despite the loss, East Coast remain one and a half games clear on top, as fortuitously second-placed Western Suburbs were also defeated in this round.
Local state league footy takes a break next week to allow for the annual Sydney v Canberra representative match next Saturday afternoon at the brand new AFL complex at Blacktown Olympic Park. The Eagles return home to Bruce Purser Reserve on Saturday, August 1 when they clash with the Balmain Dockers at 4.10pm.
Scores
North Shore 2.4 8.5 11.9 16.10 (106)
East Coast 3.2 9.4 11.6 13.7 (85)
East Coast Eagles
Goal Kickers: Gus Seebeck 6, Ryan Smyth 2, Michael Sankey 2, Mark Skuse, Matt Williams, Aaron Byerlee
Best Players: Mark Skuse, Michael Sankey, Ben Bourke, Gus Seebeck, Daniel Spiteri, Shane Ryan
Premier Division ladder as at round 14.
DIVISION 1
In years gone by North Shore have at times given East Coast Reserve Grade sides some fearful beatings, so a visit to Gore Hill is always treated with respect. Peter Vlatko and Aaron Heger were welcomed in to the side for their first games of the season and both contributed well.
However, it was Cory Durie who again masterminded the plays from the midfield. Durie is having a stellar season and should figure prominently in the end of season awards. Liam Madden was his usual stingy self in defence and with his height was able to repel many a Bomber aerial attack. James Mann took his colleagues’ eyes and he rewarded with Players’ Player honours.
A 34-point margin at game end was a good result, as North Shore were ramped up for this match. The win keeps the Eagles in third spot and after next week’s rest weekend, they are ready for the ladder leaders from UTS who field their senior team in this Division 1.
Scores
North Shore 2.2 3.3 4.5 7.7 (49)
East Coast 4.2 8.7 11.10 14.5 (83)
East Coast Eagles
Goal Kickers: Tim Coakley 3, Ben Rogers 3, Mark Peterson 2, Cory Durie 2, Julian Kasby, Andrew Polkinghorne, Ross Donaldson, Peter Vlatko
Best Players: Cory Durie, James Mann, Liam Madden, Ben Rogers, Damian Gatte, Ash Moeller
UNDER 18 PREMIER CUP
At 10am when this eagerly anticipated top of the table clash started, the Bombers would have been favourite. And at quarter-time their odds would have shortened considerably following a great first term from North Shore. The Eagles came back a little in the second, but not enough to have caused the bookies to further sharpen their pencils.
At three-quarter-time however no more bets were being accepted as the home side and ladder leaders had gone out to a 34-point lead. East Coast would be competitive, but to expect them to win was a big ask. But coach Peter Steer did exactly that. He asked the players if they believed they could win and didn’t the boys respond!
North Shore did not know what hit them as East Coast dominated midfield possession, whilst the backline steadfastly defended their turf and restricted the Bombers to just two points. Meanwhile Damon Steer at full forward helped himself to another six goal haul, three of which came in the vital last 20 minutes. The seven-goal last quarter to snatch victory was very reminiscent of last week’s First Grade come from behind triumph over Western Suburbs.
The coaching staff were delighted with their charges, with Peter Steer describing the win as the best he had ever been associated with. The final five cannot now change in this competition with North Shore, East Coast Eagles, Pennant Hills, St George and Wollongong all providing many very talented U/18 footballers.
The finals at this level will be thrilling footy…..
Scores
North Shore 4.2 7.3 11.7 11.9 (75)
East Coast Eagles 1.1 5.2 6.3 13.4 (82)
East Coast Eagles
Goal Kickers: Damon Steer 6, Josh Patira 3, Sam Pinchen, Martin Karafilis, Tate Dimech, Tom McNamara
Best Players: James Dwyer, Damon Steer, Dean Costello, Jake Pianta, Alex Foxall, Jacob Craig
Under 18 Premier Cup ladder as at round 14,
DIVISION 2
Streaty’s side were overwhelmed by a far superior Sydney Uni outfit and took a heavy defeat to the tune of 134 points.
Scores
Sydney Uni 24.23 (167)
East Coast Eagles 5.3 (33)
Individual details yet to be received.
Division 2 ladder as at round 14.
UNDER 18 CHALLENGE CUP
The lads were always going to struggle with this one against second-placed Sydney Uni. Next week won’t be any easier when they play fourth-placed Moorebank Sports, but being the true development squad they are, they continue to fight out each match until the final siren.
Scores
Sydney Uni 7.4 15.10 23-15 31.18 (202)
East Coast Eagles 1.1 1.1 2.2 2.2 (14)
East Coast Eagles
Goal Kickers: M. Goldsworthy, W. Thomas
Best Players: Josh Bancroft, Ben Gray, Sean Mayo, William Thomas, Karl Merson, Angus Baird
Under 18 Challenge Cup ladder as at round 14.
Extravaganza results
Premier Division
Best: Mark Skuse owned by Greg Bell at Swans Limos. $250.00
First free: Jon Vlatko owned by the Trevor Hangan synd. $55.00
Players’ Player: Mark Skuse
Division 1
Best: Cory Durie owned by Greg Bell at Swans Limos $125.00
First free: Darren Chapman owned by the Stanfo syndicate $55.00
Players’ Player: James Mann
Division 2
Best: TBA $40.00
Joker draw
Number to be advised ….
Next matches
There is no local Sydney premiership matches next week as all competitions take a break for next Saturday’s July 25 representative match between AFL Sydney and AFL Canberra at Blacktown Olympic Park.
With the final side yet to be announced, East Coast has nine players in the train on squad and should be well represented in this match.
Congratulations go to Rowan Bilkey, Damian Bowles, Mark Maher, Kristian Pearson, Shane Ryan, Gus Seebeck, Mark Skuse, Jon Vlatko and Ed Wilson.
Saturday, August 1 at Bruce Purser Reserve
10.00am: U/18 Challenge Cup v Moorebank Sports
Midday: Division 1 v UTS
2.00pm: Division 2 v Balmain Dockers
4.10pm: Premier Division v Balmain Dockers
7.00pm : U/18 Premier Cup v Balmain Dockers
Visit www.eastcoasteagles.com.au for more information.
